A former Serie A goalkeeper is training to make his grand return at the ripe old age of 82.
Lamberto Boranga is poised to return to the pitch with seventh-division side Trevi over 60 years after being at the peak of his powers.
Boranga, who has kept himself fit and supple by competing in Masters Athletics competitions over the last few decades, is set to keep goal before taking part in the European Masters Athletics Championships in Portugal next month.
In an interview with the Ansa agency, the former Fiorentina and Perugia stopper said of his return: “I will play one match in October and then we will see.
“I have no intention of entering the locker room and commanding.
“In October, I will also participate in the European Masters Athletics Championships in Madeira.
“I always train: long jump, triple jump, pole vault, in every discipline.”
Boranga, who is also a licensed cardiologist, is being trained for his big comeback by former Inter Milan goalkeeping coach Marco Bonaiuti.
And he’s incredibly optimistic about how he’ll fare in the match, although he admits playing the full 90 minutes is very unlikely.
He said: “I have good feelings, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to play the whole match.”
He continued: “I don’t want to look like a clown, if I play, of course, the coach decides.
“I do it to emphasise that one thing is biological age, another is what is on paper.
“There are days when I feel 50 years old. I train four times a week, one day of which is at maximum.”
In 2012, Boranga set the Masters world record for a triple jump with a distance of 10.75m.
He’s won a slew of medals during his time as a Masters athlete, claiming ten – including five golds – during a combined 11 appearances at European and World events.
Boranga hopes to be an inspiration to other people enjoying their golden years to take up a sport they once loved again.
He said: “Today, adults are more interested than young people, I am always on the move.
I train four times a week, one day of which is at maximum.”
Lamberto Boranga
“I don’t watch TV, I don’t read the newspaper.
“What would I say to a patient if he told me he wanted to become an athlete at the age of 82?
“I would ask him: Have you trained? Are you in shape?
“I would do all the necessary medical checks, as I do.
“And then, if everything turns out fine, I would tell him: yes, you can continue.”
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