Aging Klose eyes Ronaldo's record for his last World Cup


PHOTO | AFP Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen (left) vies with German forward Miroslav Klose during the Euro 2012 football championships match between Denmark and Germany, on June 17, 2012 at the Arena Lviv in Lviv. Klose has said he wants to break Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals before stepping down from international duty after Brazil 2014.

AFP Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen (left) vies with German forward Miroslav Klose during the Euro 2012 football championships match between Denmark and Germany, on June 17, 2012 at the Arena Lviv in Lviv. Klose has said he wants to break Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals before stepping down from international duty after Brazil 2014.  AFP

In Summary
Having scored 14 goals for Germany at the last three World Cup tournaments, Lazio's Klose is just one short of Brazil legend Ronaldo's record.
Germany kick-off their World Cup campaign in Group G against Portugal in Salvador on June 16 before taking on Ghana and the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached United States.
Having made his international debut back in March 2001 and despite his increasing years, Klose said he is still one of the fastest in Germany's training sessions.
By AFP
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BERLIN

Veteran Germany striker Miroslav Klose has said he wants to break Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals before stepping down from international duty after Brazil 2014.

Having scored 14 goals for Germany at the last three World Cup tournaments, Lazio's Klose is just one short of Brazil legend Ronaldo's record.

"I can't say that doesn't interest me, I'm too ambitious for that, but the team always comes first," Klose, who is set to make his 131st appearance for Germany in Wednesday's friendly with Chile, told Munich-based daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

The ex-Bayern Munich star has struggled with injuries this season after a foot operation in September, then a shoulder problem in November, and he says Euro 2016 will probably be beyond him.

"I think that the World Cup in Brazil is to be my last tournament," said the 35-year-old.

"The way my fitness is, I find it hard to assume I could play for two more years at the highest level."

TOUGH POOL

Germany kick-off their World Cup campaign in Group G against Portugal in Salvador on June 16 before taking on Ghana and the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached United States.

Klose's contract expires in June and while Lazio are reported to want to offer him a year's extension on a reduced salary, the striker is considering offers from the United States and United Arab Emirates.

"Thank god there are so many interesting opportunities," said Klose.

"Speculation doesn't help anyone but I am sure I want to keep playing at the highest possible level."

Having made his international debut back in March 2001 and despite his increasing years, Klose said he is still one of the fastest in Germany's training sessions.

"During the sprints, I am in the top five, rather than the top three, but not many people know what a tough guy I am," he said, having forged the reputation as a notoriously hard worker in training.

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