Harry Kane says Cristiano Ronaldo is the “benchmark” of longevity in soccer and admits he needs to comply with within the footsteps of the 39-year-old.
Ronaldo scored the 900th aim of his profession to assist Portugal see off Croatia 2-1 within the Nations League on Thursday – his 131st aim on the worldwide stage in what was his 213th look for his nation.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is extensively considered one of many best gamers within the historical past of soccer, having fun with trophy success firstly, peak and twilight of his profession.
31-year-old Kane has received loads of particular person accolades over the course of his personal profession, however has but to translate that success into membership or worldwide trophies – his debut season at Bayern Munich noticed him end as high goalscorer on the similar time that Bayer Leverkusen ended the Bavarians’ decade of dominance in Germany.
Nonetheless, Kane harbours ambitions of matching Ronaldo, stating earlier than England‘s Nations League conflict with the Republic of Eire that he hopes to comply with within the footsteps of the legendary Portuguese.
“Cristiano is the benchmark, not solely being probably the greatest footballers ever, but additionally the benchmark of how lengthy you may play for at the next degree,” Kane stated.
“I really feel in a very good place, each bodily and mentally. I am positive there can be noise round me, like there was round Cristiano – and there nonetheless is round Cristiano – however so long as you retain performing and preserve doing what you recognize you may, that is all you are able to do.
“The Ronaldos, the Messis, the Benzemas, the Lewandowskis, virtually upped their degree as they obtained into their mid-thirties. Cristiano is exhibiting that each week, each time he performs, each time he scores so, from my standpoint, that is the goal.”
Kane will win his 99th cap for England when he leads the group out in Dublin, along with his century of appearances set to comply with three days later when Finland journey to Wembley to tackle Lee Carsley’s Three Lions – the previous Everton midfielder is in interim cost following Gareth Southgate’s departure post-Euro 2024.
