Football's best physique? Ze Roberto claims he could play for Man City aged 47
Former Brazil international Ze Roberto believes he could ‘easily’ play for Manchester City in 2022, despite the fact he turns 48 in July.
The former versatile left-back, who could also play in midfield, is best remembered for his spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich in the late-1990s and early-2000s.
Ze Roberto also had a brief spell with Real Madrid in 1997 and played for Hamburger SV between 2009-2017.
Remarkably, the South American played up until the age of 43 before hanging up his boots.
He returned to his home country at the end of his career, turning out for Gremio and Palmeiras before calling it a day in 2017.
Ze Roberto’s physique is seriously impressive
However, Ze Roberto has kept himself in phenomenally good shape since retiring.
The ex-Brazil star, who scored six goals in 84 games for his national team between 1995-2006, takes fitness incredibly seriously. His Instagram page is full of photos showing off his ripped physique.
If you’ve got it why not flaunt it, eh?
VOTE NOW: The GMS February Fan Awards
Ze Roberto: I could easily play for Man City aged 47
“I am no longer a footballer but I continue to look after my health and my body,” he told Sky Sports. “To live a clean, healthy life is a great legacy I can leave for the next generation of people and players. That is very important for me.”
He added: “I have never stopped training. 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.”
Are you listening, Pep?
Ze Roberto is in better shape than most current professionals, so perhaps he really could still do a job for an elite-level club.
But how is the Brazilian still in such impressive shape aged 47?
Zé Roberto turned 47 recently, and he's getting out of shape pic.twitter.com/GQRUhNWbGT
— André Noruega (@AndreOstgaard) September 14, 2021
“I have no vices. I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, I don’t smoke, I eat very well, I sleep well,” he told The Sun, per the Daily Mail, in January.
“I have my family, which is my greatest security. I think those are important factors to reach the age I reached and still continue playing at a high level.”
Zé Roberto at 47… dude could still play. pic.twitter.com/ij4rAp0B7M
— Juan Arango (@JuanG_Arango) November 19, 2021
Ze Roberto: My physique is better than Cristiano Ronaldo’s
Ze Roberto also believes that Cristiano Ronaldo can’t claim to have football’s best physique unless, like him, the Portuguese legend continues playing into his 40s.
“Today I would say that I have a better physique, because I played until I was 43 years old,” he added.
“If he does, I will say it is him.”
European Super League to return? (Football Terrace)
Try and name all 20 of these UCL ballers like Ze Roberto [Quiz]