Harry Kane reveals desire to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ronaldo recently scored 900th goal of incredible career
- 39-year-old continues to shine at highest level for Portugal
- Kane looking to replicate achievements in latter stages of own career
Harry Kane says Cristiano Ronaldo is the "benchmark" of longevity in football and admits he wants to follow in the footsteps of the 39-year-old.
Ronaldo scored the 900th goal of his career to help Portugal see off Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League on Thursday – his 131st goal on the international stage in what was his 213th appearance for his country.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football, enjoying trophy success at the beginning, peak and twilight of his career.
31-year-old Kane has won plenty of individual accolades over the course of his own career, but has yet to translate that success into club or international trophies – his debut season at Bayern Munich saw him finish as top goalscorer at the same time that Bayer Leverkusen ended the Bavarians' decade of dominance in Germany.
Nevertheless, Kane harbours ambitions of matching Ronaldo, stating before England's Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland that he hopes to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Portuguese.
“Cristiano is the benchmark, not only being one of the best footballers ever, but also the benchmark of how long you can play for at a higher level," Kane said.
"I feel in a really good place, both physically and mentally. I'm sure there will be noise around me, like there was around Cristiano - and there still is around Cristiano - but as long as you keep performing and keep doing what you know you can, that's all you can do.
“The Ronaldos, the Messis, the Benzemas, the Lewandowskis, almost upped their level as they got into their mid-thirties. Cristiano is showing that every week, every time he plays, every time he scores so, from my point of view, that's the aim.”
Kane will win his 99th cap for England when he leads the team out in Dublin, with his century of appearances set to follow three days later when Finland travel to Wembley to take on Lee Carsley's Three Lions – the former Everton midfielder is in interim charge following Gareth Southgate's departure post-Euro 2024.
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