Botafogo’s veteran midfielder Clarence Seedorf says his love of winning is why he is still playing at the age of 36.
The former Netherlands international left AC Milan last summer after winning an abundance of titles during a ten year period, including two league and two Champions League trophies.
Seedorf opted for a new challenge in Brazil after his hugely successful career in Europe, where he is looking to continue his winning attitude.
He told the Botafogo website: “When you win, you never get tired. If I want more, I have to maintain this pattern, this professionalism.
“I love to win, because that’s where you can grow. If I try something and it works, then I keep doing it”
The 36-year-old also revealed his dedication and discipline in ensuring injury does not put a halt to his career as he looks to prolong his playing days.
Seedorf added: “It’s my life philosophy, I do that because I want to feel good about myself. With time, you realise that your body has needs, and that you should be disciplined in order to fulfil them. I don’t wait for the problems to come, I try to prevent them.”
The midfielder also praised coach Oswaldo de Oliveira, likening him to Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti, two of his most high-profile former coaches.
“It’s a pleasure working with him, and to have found someone with his competence,” Seedorf said.
“It’s unnatural to find someone like him around, I guess Ancelotti and Hiddink are similar in the way of talking to players and asking what is expected of them.”
Fogao take on fierce rivals Flamengo in the Campeonato Carioca on Sunday and despite playing in some of the world’s biggest derbies, Seedorf admits he still has a thirst for the big occasion.
“It’s very easy to get motivated ahead of these kind of matches. But you have to keep balance, take things easier so tension won’t get over you. When you’re a child, you dream about derby matches. And I’ll experience the same feelings again for it.”
Source: Goal.com
