West Ham cult hero James Collins suggests he will play until he is 40

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The West Ham United defender believes he can go on playing for many years to come.

West Ham United’s Adrian with James Collins

Hammers cult hero James Collins sat down for an exclusive interview with the club’s official website, and bullishly declared that he hopes to be playing top-flight football until he is 40-years-old.

The 33-year-old centre-back, affectionately known as ‘Ginge’, has spent nine years with West Ham over two separate spells, earning hero status amongst the Hammers fanbase throughout that time.

The Welshman struggled for game-time during the first half of this season’s campaign, but finished strongly, appearing in all of the East London outfit’s last nine games, after Slaven Bilic switched to a back-three, helping them to four clean sheets during that period.

West Ham United’s James Collins celebrates

And Collins sat down for an exclusive interview with WHUFC.com, highlighting Teddy Sheringham’s example as one that he would like to follow:

“I feel better now than I ever have, to be honest. I’m 33 and feel like I can play until… who knows? I played with Teddy Sheringham until he was 40! I am playing well at the minute, I feel fit, I look after myself and try and keep up with the young lads as much as I can.”

Next season will be a vitally important one for Bilic and his side, as they look to improve on this term’s disappointing efforts, and the experienced Wales international will be hoping to play an integral role in West Ham’s campaign.

West Ham United’s James Collins celebrates

One thing in Collins favour is the incredible shape that he has kept himself in, and if he can showcase the form he displayed during the final quarter of the season, he has every chance of holding down a regular spot in Bilic’s side next term.

The 33-year-old is out of contract with the Hammers in the summer of 2018, so the upcoming season could be his last chance to really impress, and earn himself a new deal in East London.

West Ham United’s James Collins