Tomasov Scores Twice and Announces It's Not Time to Retire
The 38-year-old from Zadar scored both goals for Astana in a 0:2 victory, closing in on the top of the Kazakh league's scoring charts.
The 38-year-old from Zadar scored both goals for Astana in a 0:2 victory, closing in on the top of the Kazakh league's scoring charts.
In the 20th round of the Kazakh Premier League, Astana defeated Ulytau 0:2 away, with Croatian veteran Marin Tomasov as the main hero. The 38-year-old from Zadar scored both goals for his team, the first as early as the 11th minute and the second in stoppage time, in the 91st minute.
With this brace, Tomasov brought his season tally to seven goals, seriously closing in on the league's leading scorers who currently have eight goals each. However, this match was just another chapter in his incredible story in the Kazakh championship, where he has scored over 100 goals for Astana, with more than 130 in all competitions for the club.
In an extensive interview for the official website of his parent club, NSK Sv. Mihovil, Tomasov reflected on his impressive numbers and his entire career. He emphasized that these are 100 goals exclusively in the Kazakh league, while in all competitions for Astana he already has more than 130 goals.
Although the statistics don't show it, it truly is a special feeling. When I look at it from the outside, maybe I'm not even fully aware of everything I've achieved. When I think about my entire football career, I can say I'm very satisfied.
He also recalled his football beginnings in Dobropljana on the island of Pašman, where sacrifice was a daily occurrence. There were bike rides in the bura wind, walking, and finding rides to training, including bus trips to Sutomišćica on the island of Ugljan.
Nothing was easy. It took a lot of effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. But when you truly love something, no sacrifice is too great. In the end, all that effort paid off.
Tomasov noted that football grew from a childhood love into a life calling the moment he started getting paid for what he loved and signing professional contracts. From that moment, as he says, there's no stopping, only work, progress, and new challenges. Although he has played in Croatia and abroad during his career, he is particularly proud of his longevity.
The most important thing is that I'm still going, that I'm healthy, and that at this age I can play at a top level.
He cited genetics, the fact that he has avoided serious injuries, as well as quality rest, proper nutrition, and maximum effort in every training session as key factors in maintaining his form in his late playing years.
Although he still plays at a high level and has no intention of stopping, Tomasov also revealed his plans for the end of his career. He considers every new year a bonus and takes it season by season. When the time comes to end, his wish is to say goodbye to football in his hometown.
When the end comes, I'd like to play a bit more in Zadar and then at my Sv. Mihovil, what they say, for the soul. After that, it will be time to stop.
To young footballers dreaming of a big career, he advised them to keep dreaming, believe, and not be afraid of hard work, emphasizing that with faith, perseverance, and a bit of sporting luck, dreams are achievable. Finally, he expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who has followed him and believed in him throughout his career, hoping they will support him in his final football steps.
