SOCCER
Harry Kane wants to emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
The England striker believes that his career is “only at halftime” and is enjoying life with Bayern Munich.
Harry Kane is relishing the chance to compete for titles and believes that he can continue to improve in his thirties.
The England forward left boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, moving to perennial German champions Bayern Munich. He has taken to life in Bavaria very smoothly, scoring eight goals in his first seven Bundesliga appearances.
He is one of the world’s finest strikers but Kane, who turned 30 earlier this year, told The Independent that he believes that he can still get better.
“There is definitely room for improvement,” he explained. “When you look at a lot of the top-level players – Ronaldo, Messi, Lewandowski, Ibrahimović – they have almost got better as they hit 30.”
Both Messi and Ronaldo recorded multiple 50-goal seasons after turning 30 and both continue to captain their respective national teams into their late thirties. Lewandowski broke the Bundesliga scoring record at the age of 32, while Ibrahimović was a regular starter for AC Milan into his forties.
Kane not ready to slow down yet
The England captain was never considered a prodigious talent while coming through the ranks at Tottenham but worked tirelessly to develop his game. This summer he left Spurs as the club’s all-time record goalscorer and believes that he can continue to improve during his thirties.
“The perception in sport is you hit 30 and people start to think that’s the end,” he said. “But the way I’m looking at it is that I almost have the second half of my career [to come]. I’ve had nine or 10 years at the highest level and I’m hoping for another eight or nine years at the highest level again.”
Kane will lead England for their upcoming fixtures against Australia and Italy as Gareth Southgate’s side look to build momentum ahead of the European Championships in 2024. This season could be a crucial one for Kane as he looks to pick up the first silverware of his career, both at club and international level. The England striker is confident that he can keep improving.
“In a lot of sports that happens,” he explained. “Everything is maybe settled in your personal life, you are comfortable with your body, you are comfortable mentally and that just allows you to focus on football.”