Sekhukhune United defender Daniel Cardoso has revealed the European stars he draws inspiration from to keep on playing football for many seasons to come.
At 35, Cardoso still displays solid and consistent performances for Sekhukhune in the PSL and is one of the team’s key players.
So far this season, the former Kaizer Chiefs star has made 27 appearances across all competitions for Babina Noko and scored one goal. In addition, he has helped the Polokwane side to keep eight cleansheets.
For Cardoso, ‘age is just a number,’ as he insists, hanging his boots is something that hasn’t crossed his mind yet.
Cardoso is inspired by former Real Madrid defenders Sergio Ramos and Pepe. The duo have defied all odds and continue to play in top European leagues despite their age.
DANIEL CARDOSO FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF SERGIO RAMOS AND PEPE
Ramos is 38 and is playing for Sevilla FC in the Spanish La Liga, whilst Pepe is 41 playing for FC Porto in the Liga Portugal and for Portugal national team.
“No, that [retirement] hasn’t crossed my mind yet. A lot of people have been asking me that, I still feel like I have another two or three good seasons to give,” Cardoso told FARPost.
“I feel fit, I feel good, I know in South Africa they say when you turn 30 you are old, I do not believe in that. If you look across Europe, and I’ve said it many times in my statements, look at Sergio Ramos, he’s 38 years old.
“Look at Pepe, he’s 41 years old, he’s making it in the Portugal national. They’re still playing in the big leagues in Europe. So I think it just comes down to how you look after yourself and your body.
“That’s what I’ve been doing, I go to the gym, I eat right and do all I can to keep my body fit. I manage my training and push myself as far as I can go.”
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