Age no barrier for Murata's Aldair

Aldair told uefa.com that he is in "very good physical condition" as he prepares for an unexpected return to UEFA Champions League action with S.S. Murata.

Unexpected return
A FIFA World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994, the 41-year-old defender played his last competitive game with Genoa CFC 1893 three years ago, but will make a dramatic comeback tonight as Murata become the first Sammarinese team to play in the UEFA Champions League in their first qualifying round opener against Tampere United at the Olimpico Stadium in Serravalle.

'You can trust me'
Well known in Italy for a 13-year spell at AS Roma between 1990 and 2003, Aldair told uefa.com that his side will "certainly do our best to reach the next round" against the Finnish champions, adding: "There is enthusiasm and confidence in the dressing room. I haven't played on an eleven-a-side pitch for a while now but you can trust me - I'm in very good physical condition."

Step down
Having played for the likes of CR Flamengo and SL Benfica prior to joining Roma, where he made 330 Serie A appearances, Murata seems a bit of a step down for the Brazilian. "I did not know San Marino - I had never been here before, but I got a very good first impression," he said. "What I saw of the club was also very good. I'm sure it will be a very good experience for me."

Beach buddies
Aldair owes his shock return to competitive football to his 43-year-old former Roma team-mate Massimo Agostini. The 'Condor' still represents San Marino but also plays beach football along with Aldair at Terracina. "'Ago' spoke to me about Murata," he said. "I didn't think I would play eleven-a-side football again but he made me this offer. It was interesting so I decided to accept."

Old dogs
Now the two veterans will look to blow off the cobwebs against Tampere having already impressed in a 2-1 win against a visiting English youth team. Former SSC Napoli and Roma forward Agostini - who scored 16 league goals last season as Murata won a treble in the world's oldest republic - struck twice in that game with Aldair showing plenty of authority in the centre of defence.

Still fun
Agostini certainly believes that Aldair still has what it takes to shine in Europe. "He is in great condition, believe me," he said. "Age does not count when you are still fit and you still have fun when you play."