Everton defender Leighton Baines has revealed that he is doing everything he can to ensure that he continues at the top level for as long as possible.
Baines, who has captained Everton in recent weeks due to the absence of Phil Jagielka, will turn 33 before the end of the year.
The Englishman is closing on 400 appearances for Everton, meanwhile, following a move from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2007.
Despite being the wrong side of 30, Baines has insisted that he still feels fresh, and is prepared to continue making sacrifices in order to stay in the best shape possible.
Baines told Everton’s official website:
“I think that happens naturally. I think I’m at a point where, for me, I’ve just got to try to be as close to perfect as possible in terms of how you live your life, your preparation, your recovery, being mindful of what you do when you step away from the training pitch and making sure you give yourself the best possible chance.
“I think that’s the only thing you can do when you get into your thirties. I’ve already been in a lot of good habits throughout my career and you’re looking for anything of ‘what can I do to help my body and help myself’, but I’ve been able to do that.
“We have a team of people here who you can have conversations with and just look in-depth into your diet. Recovery, preparation – all these things are key but I’m feeling good and enjoying it.”
Baines has scored 36 times in 387 appearances for Everton – including once in 13 appearances during the 2017-18 campaign.
He came close to leaving Goodison Park when David Moyes took charge of Manchester United, but the Toffees managed to keep the key defender.
Baines is also still available for the England national team, but has not turned out the Three Lions since 2015.