Harry Kane inspired by longevity and success of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - 'It motivates me'

Harry Kane explained that Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Lionel Messi’s longevity is a huge source of inspiration as he embarks on the next chapter of his career at Bayern Munich.

Kane has made an impressive start to life with the German champions after completing a £100 million move from Tottenham in the summer.

The England captain has scored five goals in six appearances across all competitions to date, and is determined to reach new heights thanks to the incredibly high bar set by Ronaldo and Messi.

"I think of what they've done, they are as good in their 30s as they were in their 20s," Kane said in an interview with ESPN.

"Me just turning 30 now, it obviously gives me excitement to know if I keep my body in good shape and keep my mentality right, I could be playing at the highest level for as long as I want to do it.

"Those players [Ronaldo and Messi] have set the bar - those and a few others as well - and it just motivates me and tells me that it's possible. It is great watching those players still performing, two of the greatest players ever to play our game.

"For me now, it is almost the second half of my career. I've had a good first half - now, can the second half be even better?"

The 30-year-old’s incredible goalscoring exploits which have seen him become England’s record goalscorer after netting 59 times in 86 caps, and is only behind Alan Shearer in the Premier League’s list of all-time goals with 213.

However, major trophies have so far eluded the marksmen, but he has a good chance of breaking that duck in a Bayern side that is chasing domestic and European glory this season.

He came closest to winning arguably the biggest prize in club football after losing the Champions League final for Tottenham four years ago, followed by another near-miss for England in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

"With Tottenham, our aim was to win it (the Champions League) every year," he added.

"Maybe from the outside that wasn't always a possibility, but in our heads, in our team, that was always what we wanted to do. I don't think I'll prepare any different. Of course, it is a competition that the club made clear they want to win so for me it is about going out there in every game I play, give it my best and try to perform at that level.

“It is the same with England as it was with Tottenham in that Champions League final. Of course, they are heartbreaking losses and losses that probably live with you for the rest of your life. But for sure, it gives you motivation to get back there and go one step further."

Moving away from football, there are suggestions that Kane could change sports later down the line and try his luck as a kicker in the NFL, but the frontman says those plans are firmly on the back-burner for now.

"I just take it year by year," he added.

"I still feel I've got loads of years left to play. Maybe when I get to my late 30s I'll start thinking about what I want to do after football a bit further down the line.

"For now, it is just about enjoying every moment, enjoying being a footballer because it goes so quick. Already, probably being at the highest level for nine years, those years have flown by.

"So I'm just trying to take it all in year by year, game by game, laying it all out there and delivering my best for the teams that I'm playing for and that's what I'll continue to do. I don't like to get too far ahead of myself."

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