Bruno hasn’t decided to carry on his playing career simply to be involved in Brighton’s debut Premier League season – the elder statesman of the Albion squad wants to turn out week-in-week-out.
The Brighton captain, fresh from 42 appearances in the promotion winning season, insists he’s still feeling good and working hard this pre-season.
He told the Official Website: ‘I’m going to try to keep playing week after week. I took the decision to keep playing because I am feeling good, I am working so hard and I try to play every single game.’
It goes without saying Bruno knows this decision isn’t down to him and it’s what Chris Hughton wants and could come down to how he performs but it is certainly his ‘aim is to play in every single game.’
Physically the defender said he’ll be fine making the transition to the Premier League with it the mental change he – and his Brighton teammates – will have to come to terms with.
‘In terms of physicality it’s easier, but the quality of the players and the standard of the teams makes it much harder. ‘It changes from the physical to the more mental stuff. You have to think quicker in the Premier League and be more clever, that’s the main thing.’
Adding: ‘Experience helps a lot if you can mix it with good fitness.’
Bruno, 36, was already at the experienced stage of his career when he joined Brighton from Valencia in 2012 but he’s showing no signs of slowing down now that he’s a veteran.
He went on to explain how players can continue playing for much longer these days due to the better understanding of conditioning and recovery periods between games and he’s feeling good.
‘Football is changing. We know much more now about fitness, recovery stuff. Players can have a longer career. Years ago they said when you are 28 or 29 that’s the best age, the best mix between experience and physicality, but I’m feeling really good. I’m looking after myself, the experience is there. I hope that is going to help me. It’s really important to find a balance.’
