While he has given no indication of whether the club is interested in signing him, he says he wants to keep his options open, and that the decision would rest with them.
“At my age [33] it’s no longer about winning every cup and thing around, it’s more about lifestyle,” McCarthy said, according to Kickoff.com. “But, I think I still have a lot to offer, especially to the youngsters, so maybe Ajax is an option, but it’s for management to decide.
McCarthy says being away from South Africa for nearly 15 years has been difficult, and admits that, although he has interest from other clubs, the fact that his mother and his roots are in Cape Town are big factors in his future decisions.
“The lifestyle in Europe is great, especially in England, Spain, and Portugal,” the striker said.
“But for lifestyle, Cape Town is still top of my list – I mean, it’s sunny and it’s the middle of winter. I would love to come back to where it all started for me.”
On his fitness levels, McCarthy said: “I feel in good shape, but at 33 I know there are guys that are much faster than me. I just have to keep working hard.
“You know, being in Europe for so long, I’ve picked up a thing or two, so I really think I have something to offer.”
McCarthy also says he would never rule out a return to play for South Africa, but admits that he needs to get back into first team competitive football before he can push for an international recall.
“I really want to find my love for football again, over the last while I felt maybe a bit distracted, but now I feel like I’m getting that love back,” he said.
“My lifestyle has changed especially after having kids, I am feeling more balanced and wiser, so I want to give back what I can to the city that gave me everything.”
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Former West Ham striker Benni McCarthy considering Ajax Cape Town move