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

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

The Champions League winner has kept himself in superb condition and reckons he could still play at the highest level.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Brazilian legend Ze Roberto has claimed 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.

He only hung up his boots at the age of 43, finishing off at Palmeiras in December 2017.

Image: PA
Image: PA

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.

"I have never stopped training," Ze Roberto told Sky Sports.

"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.

Image: PA
Image: PA

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's even gone as far as saying that he thinks he is in better shape than five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who has plans to play beyond the age of 40.

Ze Roberto previously challenged the Manchester United legend to do just that but he doesn't see him following in his footsteps.

Image: PA
Image: PA

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.

Image: PA
Image: PA

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.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Brazil, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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@joshlawless_