Vasco´s Juninho Pernambucano dreams of retiring with the Copa Libertadores trophy in his hands

January 11th, 2012

Veteran Vasco star Juninho Pernambucano has admitted that he would like to retire with the Copa Libertadores title, as he prepares to play the last six months of his professional career with the Brazilian outfit.

The free-kick specialist, who turns 37 at the end of January, signed an extension to his contract with the Rio de Janeiro club in December and will play until the end of June 2012 before drawing the curtain on a career which has seen him play in Brazil, France and Qatar.

Speaking in a press conference as the Cruz Maltino prepare for the upcoming season, Juninho affirmed that he wanted to crown his remaining months with at least one title; one of which could be the Libertadores, as the champions will be crowned at the end of June.

“I am dreaming, before finishing my career, of winning one more title with Vasco,” the former Lyon star signalled to reporters on Tuesday.

“[The Libertadores] is a competition that gives you the chance to play the Club World Cup, something Vasco have never done. For me it means everything, because I was lucky enough to have taken part in Vasco’s only triumph so far [The Libertadores of 1998]. I will never forget it, it was a glorious day for the club.”

Commenting on his current physical state, Juninho stated that despite his advancing years he felt as good as ever in pre-season training.

“I have started my 19th year as a professional with the same commitment as always and I hope to help the team play a great championship,” he explained.

“Doing what I love is a great privilege, and I can only be thankful for being healthy enough to still take the field.”

Juninho lifted two national championships and the Copa Mercosur as well as the Libertadores during his first spell at Vasco, but since returning to the club at the start of 2011 he has been unable to add to his tally.

Source: goal.com