Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz has revealed the secrets to his prolific goalscoring form at the tender age of 35 – “rest, diet and a little pampering”.
Aduriz reached the 30-goal mark for the season midweek as his hat-trick fired Athletic to a 4-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna, and he reflected on his sensational exploits ahead of the trip to Sporting Gijon on Sunday, amidst growing calls for a Spain call-up.
“The number of goals I’ve scored is thanks to an incredible team, who make it very easy for me,” he told Movistar+ channel #0.
“You don’t think much about numbers when you’re on the pitch, but it’s true that later, at home, you’re delighted and impressed to see your name alongside the great players in history who also achieved my numbers at the same age.
“Physically, I don’t know if I’m at my best, but I’m playing with virtually no pain and that’s very important.
“Rest and diet are very important. I’m feeling very well and I try to give my body a little more pampering, nothing more.
“[On Euro 2016], it’s still far away. I have plans for this weekend in Gijon and little else.
“June is far away and there are still great objectives for Athletic to fight for.
“It’d be wrong to [think about the Euros] at this point. For now, I’m thinking about other things.
“[On a possible move to Real Sociedad earlier in his career], we didn’t reach an agreement.
“I’m from San Sebastian and I wish La Real all the best, but I’m very happy at Athletic. I have a contract here next year, so … [referring to him staying put].”
