Brazil Legend Makes Astonishing Claim That He Could Play For Manchester City At The Age Of 47

Ze Roberto had a decorated 23-year career in the game, playing for Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich (twice) and Hamburg, as well as five clubs in his native Brazil.

But the former midfielder has kept himself in incredible shape and genuinely believes he would do a job for Pep Guardiola's City despite his age.

"If I was to wear the City shirt today, in the physical condition I'm in, and with the way they play, I believe I could play in central midfield for them easily because it's a team which never loses the ball."

Ze Roberto amassed over 1000 career appearances and was capped 84 times for Brazil, turning out in two World Cups.

The key to his longevity was quite clearly looking after his body. Even now, Ze Roberto is completely shredded and regularly posts video of his workouts.

He added: "I don't think so because with every year that passes, football becomes more physical.

"In the coming years, if you are not physically good, you are not going to be able to play in the modern game at a high level.

"Every year, the average age of when footballers start their professional careers is going down and logically that means the average age of when they finish their careers will go down too, so I think it's difficult for anyone to play at a high level at 40 now."

Ze Roberto was part of the impressive Bayer Leverkusen side that reached the 2002 Champions League final and finished as Bundesliga runners up on three occasions in a four-year spell.

Along with Michael Ballack, he made the switch to Bayern Munich, making over 200 appearances and winning four Bundesliga titles.

He won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid in 1997 and 1998 respectively.