Off the wire
• 1st LD Writethru: Oil prices steady amid global glut  • Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Jan. 8  • Nigerian president condemns attack on French magazine  • Urgent: U.S. stocks soar on positive data, Fed minutes  • Researchers develop "pop-up" 3D fabrication technique  • 1st LD Writethru: Modibo Keita named new Malian PM: presidency  • Urgent: Modibo Keita named new Malian PM: presidency  • French community in Czech holds rally to mourn Paris shooting victims  • 1st LD Writethru: Gold retreat continues on stronger U.S. dollar, equities  • Spanish company takes over public transport service in Malta  
You are here: 　 Home

Ze Roberto: I can play until I'm 45

Xinhua, January 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Brazil international midfielder Ze Roberto has raised the prospect of playing until he is 45 as he prepares for his 21st professional season.

Roberto will this year play for eight-time Brazilian champions Palmeiras after his transfer from local rivals Gremio last month.

The 40-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player insisted he would be more than just a bit-part player in 2015.

"They say that after 30 a footballer's career is over. I'm 40, but that's just a number," Roberto told a press conference in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

Roberto has been capped 84 times for Brazil and was a member of the Selecao's 1998 and 2006 World Cup teams.

Last year he showed that age has not wearied him by being voted the best wide player in Brazil's Serie A championship by the country's football federation.

"All of my best career moments have come after the age of 30," Roberto said.

"That's why I believe I can go until I'm 45, if not 50. I'm 40 but people think I'm 28 or 30." Endite