Alious
Chris Wood, captain of the New Zealand national football team (the All Whites), has unveiled his remarkable vision for the future of his career. Despite having been a fixture in international football since his debut in 2009, the 32-year-old striker believes he has much more to offer.
Wood’s aspirations are twofold: he aims to continue playing at the highest level, specifically in the English Premier League, for another five to six years, and he has set his sights on participating in the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This would potentially see him playing until the age of 38, a goal he acknowledges is ambitious but not impossible.
“Football is my life,” Wood declares, emphasizing his desire to play as long as his body allows. He recognizes the challenges in maintaining such longevity, citing factors like club situations, national team commitments, and overall fitness. Wood is realistic about the unpredictability of football careers but remains committed to his long-term vision.
The striker explains his mindset of working in World Cup cycles, with 2026 being the next immediate target. Beyond that, he hopes to still be competing at the Premier League level, which would bolster his chances of continued national team selection. Wood is aware that the football landscape can change rapidly, but he’s determined to pursue his 2030 World Cup dream.
Currently, Wood is experiencing one of the most successful periods of his career. He’s made an impressive start to the season with Nottingham Forest, scoring four goals in seven games, including a crucial equalizer against Chelsea. This form follows a strong second half of the previous season, where he netted 11 goals in 16 matches.
Wood credits much of his recent success to Nottingham Forest’s manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. Under Nuno’s guidance, Wood has flourished, scoring 15 league goals in 23 appearances. He attributes this to the manager’s faith in him and the opportunity to prove himself consistently.
Throughout his career, Wood has maintained a professional approach, focusing on physical maintenance and recovery. He notes the changing attitudes in football towards player longevity, citing examples like Jamie Vardy who has continued to perform at a high level past the age of 30.
Wood is also on track to set several records for New Zealand football. With 77 caps already, he could become the first All White to reach 100 A internationals. His goal-scoring tally, currently at 35, is likely to extend further, cementing his legacy in New Zealand football history.
For the immediate future, Wood is focused on the All Whites’ upcoming match against Malaysia in Auckland. He sees this as an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their abilities as favorites, a rare position for New Zealand in international football. Wood emphasizes the importance of dominating the game, creating chances, and putting on a show for the home crowd, while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football.
Alious
