Bristol Rovers’ Scott Sinclair has been in sublime form since his return to the West Country and doesn’t look like slowing down, after saying he intends to play until he’s 40.
The 33-year-old arrived back in Bristol during October 2022 on a short-term contract, however, recently signed a new eighteen-month deal which will keep him with Rovers until the Summer of 2024.
Sinclair has played at the peaks of football with Chelsea, Manchester City, Celtic and many more, so when he dropped down to a newly promoted League One side, eyebrows were raised about how much is left in the tank.
Operating as a winger, wing-back and midfielder in Joey Barton’s system, Sinclair has proven he still has the talent which has made his career so successful and shut down any doubts about his ability.
During 26 appearances this season, the Englishman has six goals and three assists to his name. Despite having his prime years behind him, Sinclair has shown to be an important contributor for the Gas, securing his place with the team for next season.
With nine games remaining in the season, Rovers currently sit 15th in the league with safety looking likely. Despite losing their last two matches, they stand 10 points above the relegation zone, with a game in hand also in their favour over Morecambe.
19 years on from his debut for the Gas as a 15-year-old, Sinclair has learned a lot during that time away but it seems he’s happy to be back home.
Speaking to MailOnline, Sinclair said: “I’m in good shape and I feel like I can play to 40.
‘I’ll take my coaching qualifications but I’m still enjoying my football and the gaffer is brilliant. That’s why I signed longer term. Players take to him. He wants us looking up, aiming towards the Championship.
“And that feeling when you come in with three points is still the same. You can’t get that anywhere else whether it’s in the Champions League or League One. I’m enjoying the journey and I’ll keep going. I’ll know when it’s time to stop.”
Writer’s View
While the comment Sinclair made about playing till 40 feels more like an expression of how he feels about the game right now, we are seeing more sports stars play till that age.
Guys like Tom Brady who played in the NFL till 45, are prime examples that with how modern recovery works, playing past your 30s shouldn’t be out of the ordinary.
While in Sinclair’s case, things are a bit different with the player being a winger, technical ability doesn’t fall off the face of the earth and if Sinclair is dedicated enough, with his talent he can find a way to make it work.
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