LONDON: Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar insists he remains fully committed to his team even though he is just months away from the end of his career.
Van der Sar confirmed on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the season after 20 years as one of Europe’s top keepers.
Although the 40-year-old former Juventus and Ajax star could be forgiven for letting his mind drift to thoughts of his post-playing life, van der Sar has no intention of letting his standards slip now.
“I don’t see motivation until the end of the season being a problem at all,” he said.
“There was a point last year when it was four degrees and the rain was pouring down. Ben Foster asked me whether I still wanted to do it in such rubbish weather. I said I loved it.
“That is still the case. I had a calf injury just after Christmas and was not able to go outside for 12 days.
“The only time I went outside was to get from the training building to the car, and then from the car to the house.
“After 12 days I wanted to go outside. That feeling will always be there. I want to train and I want to contribute to a team that deserves to win something.”
With the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup all still in United’s sights, van der Sar’s career could have a glorious finale.
But even if they finish empty-handed, the Dutchman will have no regrets about deciding to walk away from football.
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