Murphy - I'm fitter than ever
Fulham captain Danny Murphy has declared ahead of the new season that he is feeling fitter than ever.
Last Updated: 01/08/11 3:28pm
Fulham captain Danny Murphy has declared ahead of the new season that he is feeling fitter than ever.
The 34-year-old playmaker, who learned his skills at Dario Gradi's Crewe, will be in line for his 150th appearance for the Cottagers this year.
And as the stats have shown, he is physically fitter than he has ever been before and relishing the prospect of a new campaign.
Physical stats
"Last year I missed one game and all my physical stats were better than the year before - so there wasn't a decrease, there was an increase in my physical output," he told the club's official website.
"That could be for many reasons but maybe it's because I am feeling fitter and still able to do the physical side of the game - which is what you're fighting when you get older.
"In terms of my ability, I'm fine with that. It's going to be as the years go on, about the physical demands of the games - especially this year if we do qualify for the group stages [of Europa League]."
The former England international would like to extend his career at the highest level for two more seasons and draws inspiration from Gary McAllister.
McAllister arrived at Liverpool in the twilight of his career and was able to exert his quality and influence on the team as they clinched a memorable treble in 2001.
"In an ideal world, from now, I'd like to play another two seasons - that would be realistic. Then I'd have to reassess, that's as far as I can look," he added.
"You see a few players getting to that level, a great inspiration for me was Gary McAllister, I think he was 35 or 36 when he was at Liverpool and was a huge factor in winning the treble."
