Ronaldinho says : I want to play until I'm 40
AC Milan superstar Ronaldo De Assis Moreira (‘Ronaldinho’) has no plans to retire any time soon.
The midfielder revealed today that he wants to keep his career going until he turns 40. He turned 30 earlier this year, meaning that the attacker would like to continue playing football for another decade.
The Brazilian had been rumoured to be close to ending his career after going through a difficult few seasons with both Milan and Barcelona for a variety of reasons.
However, he said that his former boss at Milan, Leonardo, had helped him to rediscover his form. With the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as compatriots Robson de Souza (‘Robinho’) and Alexandre Pato as team-mates, the two-time FIFA World Player of
the Year is once again a part of one of the most feared attackers in Europe.
Ahead of Milan's UEFA Champions League group stage clash with Auxerre tonight, Ronaldinho praised his former manager, telling Corriere dello Sport that, “It wasn't easy for me after I won everything that could be won with Barcelona. However, I found back
my best form last season thanks to a great coach: Leonardo."
"He gave me the freedom to do what I like best on the pitch, even when I wasn't exactly in good form. I have now returned to the same high level I played at when I still played for Barcelona. I'm rejuvenated thanks to Leonardo.”
The forward also spoke of his plans for the future, adding that he hoped to be involved at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in his homeland after missing out on this summer’s tournament in South Africa.
He said, “I felt like I deserved to be at the World Cup. I haven't watched a single game of the tournament. I don't have the patience to sit behind the TV for 90 minutes. It would be great if I'd be able to play at the 2014 World Cup. I'm even thinking about
playing at the 2018 World Cup. My age is not a problem. I've played together with Paolo Maldini, who played until he turned 40. I'd like to be like him."
Tags: