At 35, Linssen still chasing NEC’s play-offs and European nights

At 35, NEC striker Bryan Linssen is not considering retirement and believes he still has five years left in him. The veteran forward, who has already played for Feyenoord, reflected on his outlook ahead of the new season during an interview with ForzaNEC.

Linssen admitted his preference for warmer conditions, saying: "I am a fair-weather footballer. I prefer thirty degrees to zero." He described enjoying his vacation but also looking forward to being back with the squad, though he hopes training intensity does not immediately reach match levels.

The club’s ambitions for the upcoming season are clear. "We need to reach the play-offs and sell our skin as dearly as possible in Europe," Linssen stated, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey with the entire club. He sees European football as a platform for players to elevate their careers and take the next step.

NEC completed the signing of Perr Schuurs this transfer window. Linssen revealed he has spoken to Schuurs more frequently recently. "When I heard he was in talks with NEC, I did my best to inform him about the club and how things work here," Linssen explained. "He had already spoken to the coach, but I told him about the training environment, the group dynamics, and how much fun we have. That made him very enthusiastic."

Linssen’s own motivation remains high. "When I returned from Japan, I thought I might play another year and a half. But I’ve rediscovered so much joy in the game that I think I can go on for another five years," he said. "Right now, I really don’t want to stop. As I said, I didn’t necessarily look forward to training, but I missed the group feeling and the banter with my teammates."

The 35-year-old’s optimism contrasts with the physical demands of professional football. He acknowledged that while training sessions were not his favorite part, the camaraderie and social side of the game were irreplaceable. His comments reflect a balance between competitive drive and personal fulfillment.

With Schuurs joining and Linssen still hungry for more, NEC’s squad is taking shape around a core of experienced players. The club’s dual focus on domestic play-offs and European competition sets a high bar for the season ahead.