GDANSK, Poland, (Reuters) – Germany forward Miroslav Klose is days away from turning 34 but competition for places and a desire to play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil keep him motivated despite the occasional twinge, the player said yesterday.
Klose, who celebrates his birthday when Germany take on Portugal in their Euro 2012 Group B opener in Lviv on Saturday, said he was gradually regaining fitness after a thigh injury which ruled him out of action for five weeks.
“I am much further in my fitness now and there is no pain and that is what is important,” Klose told reporters, a day after arriving with the team in Poland for the tournament, co-hosted by Ukraine.
“I have got my eye on getting to 100 percent but I don’t really think I can reach that figure at my age.”
Polish-born Klose, with 63 goals in 116 internationals, is battling with Mario Gomez for the one starting place in coach Joachim Loew’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Loew has also brought Marco Reus into contention for the spot, saying he could also be deployed as an out-and-out striker.
“Mario is super strong and I would also not underestimate Marco but competition is good because it brings life into this business,” Klose said, adding that there were no secrets to staying competitive.
“I have no idea. I keep fit, my feet still carry me so I push my cadaver along. I will be 34 so my back hurts occasionally and I do some exercises before and after training. If I do not do them then I am not that fresh or flexible.
