It was a question Claudio Pizarro was wondering about for a number of days: ‘Why does everyone care about my fitness condition?’ The answer clearly dawned on the record goalscorer during Wednesday’s press conference: “Maybe because I’m 39 years old,” said Pizarro with a smirk.
On the 3rd October, the Peruvian will turn 40. He’s in his 20th season of European football. However, during his 447th Bundesliga appearance last weekend he looked sprightlier, more agile and fitter than ever. Why is it that the striker continues to flourish? “I’m fitter because I can give my all in training,” explained Pizarro. He had a problem with a nerve, so couldn't fo all out in training. “I have that under control now," commented Pizarro.
Pizarro, the most successful non-German player in Bundesliga history, showed his worth in the game against Hannover 96. Pizarro said he was “very pleased” with his performance, but he did not demand extra game time. “Of course I’d like to play more but I haven’t been able to play a whole half or full game for quite a while”. Pizarro was not sure what kind of strain a full 90 minutes would put him under.
One thing is for sure: If Claudio Pizarro stays fit there is a new record waiting for him in February. The record for the Bundesliga’s oldest goalscorer belongs to another Werder man: Mirko Votava who once scored at the age of 40 years and 30 days. “Let me know when I’m old enough to beat that record,” responded the Peruvian with another smirk.
