Tuesday 17 June 2014 16:57, UK
Jonathan Woodgate will not be hanging up his boots just yet, but admits he is already planning for a life in coaching.
At 34 years of age, the Middlesbrough defender knows he cannot go on forever.
That is why a man who has graced the very top of the game with Leeds United, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and England is readying himself for a career change.
Woodgate believes he has the perfect mentor in the form of Boro boss Aitor Karanka and is thoroughly enjoying absorbing all he can on the tactical and preparation front as he approaches the end of his playing days.
I’ve done one of my badges already. But I’m in no rush. I want to play as long as I can basically because I love it.
He told the Evening Gazette: “I’ve done one of my badges already. But I’m in no rush. I want to play as long as I can basically because I love it.
“Once you stop you can’t go back and there’s always time for coaching later on.
“At the minute I want to keep on pushing to get a starting place in the team – but if my time comes to an end, which it will at some point in the future, I’ll look at that then.
“And when I do finish I want to go into coaching and managing. I know that much.”
Woodgate added on Karanka: “I’m already learning from the best here with our manager.
“He’s got some track record hasn’t he, being an assistant at Real Madrid, working with Jose Mourinho and quality players.
“And I’m learning every day from him. I’m taking notes after sessions, little pointers on how he conducts himself. It’s a good way to learn.
“The training sessions we do are very, very good. They are second to none that I’ve done. You won’t get any better at any club, and I’ve been to a few in my time so I should know.”
