Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has claimed that he feels like a young man, despite turning 30-years-old on the Thursday – an age regarded as ‘old’ or ‘experienced’ in the footballing world.
Since joining the Gunners in 2010, the France international has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the club – establishing himself as comfortably one of the best defenders the Premier League has seen in a number of years, with his pace and reading of the game particular plus points.
Koscielny, formerly of Lorient, admitted to Arsenal Player that despite turning 30, he feels ‘like a young man’ and uses the examples set by both Petr Cech and Mikel Arteta to help himself continue working hard.
Footballer or not, after 30 is a big part of your life.For a footballer it is important as you are closer to the end of your career than you are to the start.
But, I feel like a young man.
I’m nearly 30 but my body is ready to play more games, just the age has changed.
I try to work hard and to be ready for training and the games and when you are older you need to work harder in training before the session and after.
I can see the older players like Petr Cech or Mikel Arteta before and after training and it can help [extend] your career [to work hard like them].
Koscielny went on to explain that playing against top opposition in the elite competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and Premier League have helped to make him into a better and more experienced footballer.
I think it is true because you have played a lot of games before and you are more experienced.
When you play in the Premier League against a lot of big teams and in the Champions League every game can help you to be better.
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