'On my own terms' - Walsall favourite Albert Adomah ready for more at 38
Walsall fan favourite Albert Adomah says he wants to continue playing "as long I can" after turning 38 last Saturday.
Adomah came on as a second half substitute on his birthday during the Saddlers' 1-1 draw against local rivals Shrewsbury Town at Bescot last weekend.
The veteran reached his latest milestone in the process by making his 700th league appearance in the Football League.
After reaching a century of goals at club level in September, Adomah said his next target is to hit 800 career appearances.
'If I'm active then I can go as long as I can'
When asked the question of how many years he has left in the tank, the former Ghana international insists he will retire on his own terms.
"I have to look after myself first and foremost and hopefully if I'm still playing and just being active.
"If I'm active then I can go as long as I can, but I don't want to breakdown before I retire. I want to retire on my own terms and hopefully I'm still 100 per cent when I stop playing."
The 38-year-old has made 81 appearances since joining Walsall in 2024, scoring eight goals and setting up 10 more in total.
Adomah penned a new one-year deal in the summer and has scored three times in 27 matches across all competitions this term.
No 37 shirt is here to stay
He has traditionally worn the No 37 shirt due to his prophecy of playing until the age of 37.
After surpassing his target, Adomah plans to stick with the same shirt number, which has become a personal trademark for the former Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City star.
"I'll keep with Uncs 37," he joked. "I just enjoy football and that's always been the case since I was young.
"When I was a kid, my target was to turn professional and to play as long as I can. I've been able to do that and I'm still doing that, so hopefully the longevity will still carry on.
"100 per cent [I still feel that same enthusiasm for the game]. The only thing that's missing is my pace, but I can work on that. I need a scooter."
Although he was unable to celebrate a birthday victory, Adomah felt the disappointment in the dressing room after the draw served as an example of the high standards at the club.
"It was a game of two halves, but with the standards we've set ourselves, getting that point felt like a defeat," he added.
"At the end, Shrewsbury are celebrating like they've won all three points. So that's the standard we've set ourselves, even though we got a point out of it.
"We'll take that point though. Six unbeaten and now we'll take that into the next one."
