It feels like he's trying to convince himself more than the readers that he cares about playing, and playing for the club. In my opinion, that's neither propaganda nor sincerity, but self reinforcement from a man going through an existential crisis about what next, given that he's already kinda achieved most of his childhood dreams.
He's a good lad, but I feel he needs motivation more than tactical instructions. A mentor more than a manager, purpose more than a game plan. Someone who can help him find a spark within himself, get him fired up for goals in life. EtH doesn't have the charisma for that.
I hope either the self-reinforcement works, or he finds a mentor. Otherwise, it looks like he's going to be done with the game by 30, much like
@golden_blunder keeps saying.