Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has claimed that he feels "fitter and fresher" than ever as he approaches his 30th birthday.
The striker, who recently became England's leading goalscorer with a record 50 goals, has faced criticism for his lack of influence at club level this season.
From the player's point of view, he has insisted ahead of his birthday on Saturday that he has plenty more to give over the next few years of his career.
"Do I feel any differently? No, physically, I feel good," Rooney told reporters. "Obviously your 30th is a big birthday in anyone's life but in terms of me and football I still feel I'm still young enough with a lot of years ahead of me. I have had no major muscle injuries.
"I have been playing football for a long time but for me it's just a number. Players in the past have known when the time is right to finish, but I am nowhere near that stage and I feel fitter and fresher than I have done really so for me it's just a number."
Rooney is expected to lead out United in tonight's Champions League game against CSKA Moscow, as well as in Sunday's derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Danielle Joynson
