Veteran striker Martin Palermo is living out a dream as he trains with Argentina in Pretoria in preparation for the World Cup.
The 36-year-old is the oldest member of Diego Maradona's group for the showpiece event in South Africa.
Palermo was recalled to the Argentina squad for the first time since 2000 for last year's qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay, and will be competing for the first time in his career in a World Cup.
"You cannot compare this to anything I have experienced before," said the Boca Juniors star.
"To be here is a dream and I am enjoying it to the maximum.
"To be among the 23 players is a privilege and I have to thank Maradona for giving me this opportunity.
"I am thankful to be among so many stars in this team."
Palermo is mesmerised by the skills of his colleagues.
"I keep telling my team-mates how amazing they are," he said.
"I see what they do in training and they surprise me.
"It's incredible what (Lionel) Messi does with the ball - it's difficult to describe."
Palermo knows he must do well in training to impress Maradona with Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito all ahead of him in pecking order.
"I'm not sure when I will be able to play and give my contribution," said Palermo.
"We will see once the tournament starts.
"But I am here to help my team-mates and when the time comes and they need me, I will be ready."
Argentina are in Group B alongside Greece, South Korea and Nigeria.
The Albiceleste take on Nigeria in their World Cup opener on Saturday in Johannesburg.
