What’s the perfect age for retirement if you’re a professional football player? Probably around 35, if you’re not hurt too much with injuries and all the issues that come with a certain age.Anyhow, there are a few exceptions, and one of them is definitely Roque Santa Cruz. The former Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Malaga, Betis and Bayern Munich forward turned 40 last August but still doesn’t think of hanging his boots. And he definitely has no reason for that whatsoever.Such a long, long time ago… Roque celebrates after scoring for City in 2019 (©Michael Regan/Getty Images)Last night, Santa Cruz scored a marvellous goal after an outstanding solo effort in the Copa Libertadores clash against the Brazilian side Atletico Paranense. It was an opener which brought back hope to Santa Cruz’s Club Libertad – the champions of Paraguay – in this two-leg tie. Thus he became the oldest-ever player to score in the most important South American football competition. Unfortunately for them, the rivals nailed the much-worth equaliser in the stoppage time to knock Libertad and reach the quarter-finals.With only a month until he turns 41, Roque Santa Cruz shows that age is only a number as he scored this amazing goal for Libertad to even the series against Athletico Paranaense in the #Libertadores. Still scoring the goals 25 years into his career. pic.twitter.com/BMmua24Jqy— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) July 6, 2022 However, Roque’s tremendous class remains the game’s most significant moment, showing that age is only a number.COPA LIBERTADORES – KNOCKOUT STAGEThursday01.15: (2.50) Colon (3.10) Talleres (3.10)01.15: (1.33) Palmeiras (5.20) Cerro Porteno (11.0)03.30: (1.53) Flamengo (4.10) Deportivo Tolima (7.00)03.30: (1.60) River Plate (4.00) Velez (6.00)
