Source: Northern_Echo
Zenden happy to keep on dancing
AS an extremely dedicated professional, he might not have his eyes on the dancefloors across Tyne & Wear, but Bolo Zenden is more than happy to keep on moving.[LNB] Zenden's little jig on the Stamford Bridge turf almost a fortnight ago has earned him the tag of daddy dancer[LNB] around the Stadium of Light.[LNB] But his mere presence on the pitch in the last few weeks has helped Sunderland to find the right rhythm in the Premier League.[LNB] Zenden will be 35 in August and if he is to earn a new contract at the end of the season he will be the oldest member of a youthful squad by some margin.[LNB] But having refrained from inflicting too much damage on his body since turning professional with Maastricht 18 years ago, the Dutchman has not even thought about calling time on an illustrious career just yet.[LNB] Nor should he, having shown in his recent outings against Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham that he can still mix it with the youngsters.[LNB] I don't see retirement being anywhere near, he insisted.[LNB] I'm fit and I am feeling fit. I don't drink, I don't smoke. I have always taken care of myself. You have to be lucky with injuries.[LNB] If you look at the Tottenham game stats, I was up there with Jordan Henderson.[LNB] Out of the two teams, we were the two players who covered the most ground. I was breathing down Jordan's neck. I have always been like that. I don't know any other way. I have never drank or partied really.[LNB] Zenden has spent time at some of Europe's greatest clubs, so he can compare the different methods and expectations at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and Marseille.[LNB] He has also been in the Premier League with Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Sunderland.[LNB] During a period when the behaviour of many English players has been brought into question, is the continental way more effective[LNB] It's not a rule. There are many roads that lead to Rome, there's not one way that is the best way, said Zenden.[LNB] There are certain things that you can and can't do. If you play on a Saturday, and your next game is a week later, you have a day off to have fun on the Sunday, then Monday to Friday you should be professional.[LNB] Your body is your tool, so why destroy it You need your tools to be in the best shape and you are the only one who can take care of it.[LNB] He added: I remember leaving Barcelona for Chelsea.[LNB] They told me in England they don't train. I got here and under Claudio Ranieri I probably did more running than I have ever done.[LNB] There is a slightly different mentality in England from Europe, but there can be a positive from that as well. I remember at Middlesbrough, when we played Lazio in the UEFA Cup. The game was at 8pm and we were told to report at 6.15. We beat them 2-0, I scored so I remember.[LNB] In Marseille if we played in the Champions League, we would spend two days before a game in a hotel, for a home game. Of course there are differences.[LNB] I don't say one is better than the other, if you have a professional group of players, you can report at 6.30 because you know your players will prepare properly.[LNB] Zenden feels a professional footballer should look after his body in the right way.[LNB] I don't need to explain that going to McDonald's after training is not the best food you can get, he said. Try to stay away from the bad stuff, like chips, cookies and pizza.[LNB] Stay off the drinks.[LNB] If you ask the manager, Steve Bruce, he definitely comes from another era, and I think that in those days a lot of things were possible that aren't any more today.[LNB] With all that in mind, it is no surprise he has been one of Sunderland's top performers since the defeat to Newcastle on October 31.[LNB] He has made five times as many substitute appearances for Sunderland than he has starts in the Premier League, but he is enjoying his chance to prove he still has ability.[LNB] I have had my third start in a row, I wouldn't say I have been reborn again, said Zenden.[LNB] It's been more a confirmation that I can play at this level.[LNB] I didn't doubt the fact, but each time it makes it a bit harder when you don't play.[LNB] You lose your rhythm, so the problem is more physical than mental.[LNB] Rhythm has been a key word for Zenden in the last few weeks, having had to endure the jokes and jibes from the fans and his team-mates about that dance at Chelsea.[LNB] After Asamoah Gyan scored the second goal, Zenden joined the African rapper near the touchline and his moves have become something of an internet sensation ever since. The likeable midfielder, however, insists there is plenty more where that came from.[LNB] I know it is a YouTube phenomenon,[LNB] he said. I can handle it.[LNB] The actual dance was meant to be funny, it was an African dance and I joined in.[LNB] Even I had to laugh about it. It will definitely return but it might be a different dance because I have got so many moves to knock out. Just wait.[LNB]
