Life begins at 40 for grandad Donato

Evergreen Deportivo La Coruna defender Donato, known affectionately as grandad, celebrates his 40th birthday in a case of rare longevity at football's highest level.

Originally from Brazil, but now a naturalized Spaniard, Donato is a phenomenon to play so well at his age though his contract will only be renewed at the end of the season should he play half Coruna's matches which is currently not the case.

Donato, capped 12 times by Spain and who joined Atletico Madrid in 1988 before going to Deportivo five years later, has played 10 times this season for coach Javier Irureta.

"I know I'm not a typical case and each year it's a bit harder. The coach stopped playing at 33 and it's difficult for him to believe a 40-year-old can play five matches in a row," Donato said.

"I know my career is coming to an end but I will fight to the last.

"The secret of my longevity is the invisible training. If you don't look after yourself, if you lose a lot of nights of sleep, if you smoke and drink, you will never be able to play at the highest level at 40.

"It's true I'm the league's grandad because I am the oldest player. I get a real kick out of it."