The 42-year-old Hearts stopper is not looking to hang up his gloves quite yet
Craig Gordon has taken a leaf out of Tom Brady’s book. (Image: SNS Group)
Craig Gordon has heeded the advice of NFL legend Tom Brady when considering a second Scotland farewell.
The 42-year-old’s first farewell came in a friendly match against Finland on June 7, 2022. The Hearts keeper came on as a substitute in the second half at Hampden Park. But it did not go the way he wanted it to. Gordon fouled Tomas Galvez to give away a penalty, which was converted to make it 2-2.
Gordon made a comeback after he was not included in Steve Clarke’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024, due to him still recovering from his serious double-leg break. Now he has his sights set on Greece in the Nations League play-off. But the veteran has heeded the words of the American Football great, Tom Brady, who announced his retirement from the NFL twice, in 2022 and 2023.
Speaking to James McFadden for Sky Sports, he said: “[His first farewell] didn’t quite go to plan so – I didn’t like the way that it ended. I think we need to change that ending and come back again. I thought that was the last time I would play for Scotland.
“But you can’t have two [farewells]! Tom Brady said he couldn’t have two when he left for the second time, in the NFL. I don’t want second one because I didn’t particularly enjoy the first one. It is quite an emotional thing to go into the game knowing that is going to be the last time.”
Tom Brady, once of the New England Patriots (Image: Getty Images)
Gordon sustained the horrific leg injury last December in Hearts’ 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice after colliding with striker Steven Fletcher. His return was never sure thing.
He explained: “When it is that sever you always contemplate that could be end of your career. I was okay if it was. I’ve played so many games and had a great career. Thirty-nine is a great age to get to to still be playing If that had been the end then I was quite prepared for that to be the end.”
Gordon had no regrets after putting in the hard yards in training to try and make the Euro 2024 squad. He explained: “Once I got back and started playing I thought it was a possibility. I am proud of the effort I put in to try and make that happen. As the manager said there were three better to go at that stage. For me I did everything that I possibility could so that was all I could do.”
