Success key to Seedorf longevity

Clarence Seedorf says his love of winning is why he is still playing for Botafogo at the age of 36.

Clarence Seedorf says his love of winning is why he is still playing for Botafogo at the age of 36.

The former Netherlands international left AC Milan last year and opted for a new challenge in Brazil after a hugely successful career in Europe.

“When you win, you never get tired. If I want more, I have to maintain this pattern, this professionalism,” Seedorf told the Botafogo website.

“I love to win, because that’s where you can grow. If I try something and it works, then I keep doing it.”

Seedorf, who has lifted the Champions League on four occasions, also revealed his dedication and discipline in ensuring injury does not put a halt to his career as he looks to prolong his playing days.

“It’s my life philosophy, I do that because I want to feel good about myself,” he said.

“With time, you realise that your body has needs, and that you should be disciplined in order to fulfil them. I don’t wait for the problems to come, I try to prevent them.”

The midfielder also praised his coach at Botafogo, Oswaldo de Oliveira, and even went as far as to liken him to Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti – two of his most high-profile former coaches.

“It’s a pleasure working with him, and to have found someone with his competence,” said Seedorf.

“It’s unnatural to find someone like him around, I guess Ancelotti and Hiddink are similar in the way of talking to players and asking what is expected of them.”