Tuchel Explains Why Harry Kane May Not Play Until 40 Like Cristiano Ronaldo
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The England captain continues to be in great form but coach Tuchel has doubts whether he can maintain his fitness standards like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel sent a warning to Harry Kane after the England captain expressed his desire to prolong his playing career as long as possible. Kane, who will turn 32 in July, has his eyes set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup but is also looking to stretch his stint much beyond the quadrennial event. While the Bayern Munich striker is trying to follow in the footsteps of Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Tuchel reckons it would be difficult for him to keep his form and fitness at similar levels.
Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, continues to maintain remarkable fitness standards. The 40-year-old is still bagging Golden Boots at the club level apart from major international honours. Ronaldo won the UEFA Nations League with the Portuguese side and is also planning an extension to his Saudi Pro League contract with Al-Nassr, for which he top-scored this season.
'I think it gets more and more difficult in today's game. Cristiano took a step into a league which is not as competitive as the Premier League or Spain, where he played before, as part of keeping his performance up. I think he is always the exception to the rule, we cannot go now from Cristiano Ronaldo and think everyone can play until 39 and 40 in today's game," Tuchel told reporters.
'It will be very demanding, professionalism is a given in today's game, otherwise you have no chance and Harry has this natural ability to score goals."
Tuchel's remarks came even as Kane showed no signs of slowing down immediately. The English skipper scored the 450th goal of his professional career to help his team beat 173rd-ranked Andorra 1-0 in the 2027 World Cup qualifying game last Saturday, June 7.
'He scored his 450th goal in the Andorra match, it was a very decisive goal, a very important one and there are at the moment no signs he cannot do it at a high level. How long he can do it, I have not a crystal ball, let's see. He is in a club where they play dominant football, I think that can suit him," said Tuchel.
'Just the outlook until the World Cup, he knows that it is a crucial year for him, also in terms of fitness and being ready to compete in the World Cup in the heat, in the humidity."
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