England captain Harry Kane has revealed his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming to maintain his performance levels well into his thirties, Soccernet.football reports.
Kane, who is set to make his 99th appearance for the Three Lions in their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Ireland, reflected on his difficult Euro 2024 campaign and outlined his determination to bounce back as a key player for both England and Bayern Munich.
Speaking ahead of the international fixture, Kane explained that Ronaldo, who recently scored his 900th career goal for Portugal, serves as a benchmark for players who wish to sustain elite performance as they age.
“Cristiano is the benchmark, not only being one of the best footballers ever but also the benchmark of how long you can play for at a higher level,” Kane said.
Kane, 31, believes that he can emulate Ronaldo’s longevity by continuing to perform at a high standard despite the inevitable external pressure.
“I feel in a really good place, both physically and mentally. I’m sure there will be noise around me like there was around Cristiano – and there still is around Cristiano – but as long as you keep performing and keep doing what you know you can, that’s all you can do,” the Bayern Munich star added.
Kane also acknowledged that many top players like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, and Robert Lewandowski have elevated their performances in their thirties.
“The Ronaldos, the Messis, the Benzemas, the Lewandowskis, almost upped their level as they got into their mid-thirties. Cristiano is showing that every week, every time he plays, every time he scores so, from my point of view, that’s the aim.”
Kane’s immediate focus is England’s Nations League fixtures, with the match against Ireland marking his 99th cap, during which he has already scored 66 goals.
A positive camp would mark a fresh start for Kane after Euro 2024, while he also sets his sights on regaining the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, where he has begun the season in fine form after scoring in the opening match against Freiburg.