While many players will be seeking to prove their worth at the World Cup, others will be merely hoping to wave goodbye to the prestigious tournament in the best possible way as they approach the final phase of their illustrious careers. The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Xavi will be eyeing a final taste of glory, having once experienced the joy of lifting the coveted World Cup trophy. For others like Samuel Eto'o, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, it will be their last chance to take a shot at the title and end their international career on a high note after failing to make a notable impact during their previous participations. Being a key part of the Italy's squad that lifted the 2006 World Cup title in Germany, Pirlo, 34, said he would hang up his international boots to pave the way for younger players to break into the Azzurri. "I think Brazil 2014 will be my last tournament with Italy, then it will be time for me to step aside and let some of the youngsters take over," he said last year. "The national side have given me a lot. I was lucky enough to win the World Cup and when that happens you find everyone adores you, even fans of other teams. "I will continue at club level for as long as I still have the passion and feel important. Otherwise I would be the first person to retire," added Pirlo. Pirlo, who joined Juventus in 2011 after spending 10 years with AC Milan, also helped Italy reach the Euro 2012 final where they were defeated by Spain. Xavi Hernandez, an all-round central midfielder who is famous for his neat passes, relishes the chance of winning the World Cup for the second consecutive time, having played an instrumental role in leading Spain to the 2010 title in South Africa following a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. The Barcelona man, who turned 34 in January, ruled out the possibility of carrying on for another four years. “That's right, this will almost certainly [be my last World Cup],” Xavi said last February. “I'll be chomping at the bit and I hope to be in good shape physically. Right now I'm feeling good and I'm looking forward to being involved and having a great World Cup. “Here's hoping Spain get as far as possible and if we manage to defend the trophy, knowing how difficult it is will make it all the sweeter. Of course I'd love to go out on a high,” he added. Italy's most-capped player Juventus goalkeeper Buffon, Italy's most-capped player with 140 appearances, did not confirm he would call time on his international career following this year's World Cup, saying his enthusiasm for glory remains as strong as ever. "I'm not thinking about the end of my career, I'm 34 and I think I look pretty good. Plus, I'm in great physical condition and I'm full of enthusiasm," Buffon, who made his debut with Italy in 1997, said in September 2012. "Most importantly, I've got a lot of desire to win and when you've got all those things put together then you can keep going. "When one of those three components starts to diminish, I'll be the first one to raise my hand and make myself a new life," he added. Eto'o remains Cameroon's undisputed star at 32 and he will be hoping to make up for his uninspiring displays at the 2010 finals, where he scored a goal in the group-stage game against Denmark but the Indomitable Lions were knocked out from the first round. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, who almost won all major honours on the club level and led Cameroon to two African Nations Cup titles, described their World Cup elimination as the biggest disappointment of his career. In September 2013, Eto'o reversed his decision to retire from international football, reportedly upon the request from Cameroon President Paul Biya, to play a role in guiding the team to the 2014 World Cup finals. Following Cameroon's qualification, Eto'o urged his teammates to continue their good work in order to achieve more glory in Brazil, insisting that his side can do better than Ghana's quarter-final finish four years ago. "We did a good job. Work is the key to our success. Last time, I said there is no magic in football and that's what we proved on Sunday. We understand that only hard work can lead to good results," he said. Drogba eyes 'memorable goodbye' Former Chelsea and current Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba also knows his World Cup days are numbered. In June 2012, the Elephants captain said he is living in the twilight of his international career and that he would wave goodbye to the national team after the 2014 World Cup, which will mark his third appearance in the world's most prestigious sporting event. “I'm certainly living my last days with the national team,” the 36-year old Drogba said. “However, I'll do my best to leave something memorable for fans, and after the 2014 World Cup, I think I'll be quitting international football for good,” added Drogba, who scored 65 goals in 101 international caps b A regular for both Liverpool and his country for more than a decade, England captain Steven Gerrard was frank when he said he will be considering his options after playing his third World Cup in Brazil. Gerrard, who turned 34 on May, said that he must "listen to his body" when deciding whether he still wants to carry on with England following this summer's tournament. "The appetite and desire to go on will still be there," he said last November. "I want to play football for as long as I can, but at times in your career you've got to listen to your body and you've got to assess the situation," he said. “I think it's going to be a case of going to Brazil, giving it my best and when the tournament is over I'll chat to the right people, the England manager, my family, and other important people who have helped me along the way, then I'll make the decision." "I love playing for my country, I'm very proud to be captain and if I feel I can still contribute to the team after the World Cup then of course I'll try and carry on. "But it's a massive decision, one I won't take lightly and I'll assess it after the World Cup." Despite Gerrard's declarations about his international future, his manager Roy Hodgson believes the veteran player could carry on playing for England after the World Cup. "I don't know if he necessarily couldn't [play beyond the World Cup]," Hodgson said. "He will be 34 in May so he will be getting on for 36 [by the start of Euro 2016], so I think a lot will depend on him and how he feels, and depend on how he is playing. At the moment there has been no slowing down in his play. "Who knows what the future will bring. I don't have a strong feeling about that one way or another. Time will tell." Gerard's England teammate and midfielder partner Lampard, who will also turn 36 in June, hinted that the tournament in Brazil will be the second and last World Cup for him. “I don't want to say 'I'll retire' because the minute I say that it's there waiting to happen, but younger players are coming through and, at 36, not too many play on at international level,” he said. (For more sports news and updates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/103214.aspx
