Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo is following the example of Mark Schwarzer and insists retirement is far from his mind.
The 35-year-old has endured a tough two years with injuries and form issues leading to his demotion, with Jamie Young preferred at times.
But Theo produced a vintage Man of the Match display in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with leaders Sydney FC.
Theo’s performance brought back memories of his younger form when he helped himself to an A-League record five championships with Melbourne Victory and Roar.
He said he wasn’t back to his best yet but believed he had plenty of years left in him in the A-League.
“You see the likes of Mark Schwarzer, in this league (Thomas) Sorensen is still playing, and Ante Covic recently played until he was 41,” Theo said.
“There’s great goalkeepers out there who’ve done well and if you look after yourself there’s no reason why you can’t kick on.
“There’s no reason why I can’t. I’ve been around a long time. I’ve always done the right things on and off the field.”
Theo’s injuries included wrist and quad problems, hindering his form but he was optimistic that was behind him.
“Obviously you’re going to get injuries throughout your career and this has come all at once,” he said.
“I wasn’t used to missing any games, let alone training sessions. It was very frustrating but I feel that I’m back to where I was.
“Mentally I had a bit of a freshener and physically I feel fantastic, so there’s no reason why I can’t kick on and keep playing.”
The one-time Norwich City shot-stopper was reluctant to say he was in peak form.
“I don’t know about peaking, it's only seven games into the season,” he said.
“We’re all finding our feet, particularly for me I’ve been frustrated over the past two seasons in terms of injuries.
“For me, it’s about getting games under my belt and progressively that’s improving.”
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