Melbourne Victory veteran Archie Thompson says his international career might not last beyond the current World Cup campaign, but there’s a lot of A-League seasons left in him.
Thompson, who turns 35 in two weeks and whose 160 games for the Victory are already a club record, is entering the final season of his current contract with the club.
But he’s keen to negotiate a new deal.
“I’d like to at some stage,” Thompson told AAP on Tuesday.
“I like to go into a season having a clearer picture about my future.
“But it’s all about performances.”
Thompson, part of the Victory’s two championships and who likes the club’s chances of adding a third this season, said he couldn’t picture himself ending his career anywhere else.
“I know the supporters would like me to finish my career here and that’s what I want,” he said.
“Obviously I’ve got to perform out there and show I deserve it, and I feel like I do.”
Thompson missed selection for the current Socceroos squad to play friendlies against France and Canada.
But he’s been a frequent national team member under Holger Osieck and plans to do all he can to demand selection for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
“This is a big year for a lot of us,” he said.
“There’s a real opportunity to make a World Cup.”
He said while playing in Brazil could provide the perfect ending to his international career, he felt he had at least two more seasons, perhaps as many as four, left domestically.
He cited Italian A-League star Alessandro Del Piero, who will turn 39 in November, as an example of how long his career might extend.
“Maybe if I make the World Cup that might be time to let that part of my football career go,” Thompson said.
“Because you want opportunities for younger guys to come in and take our country to another level.
“But at a domestic level I can still see myself going for a long time, definitely.”
The Victory’s season starts with Saturday night’s derby against Melbourne Heart at Etihad Stadium.
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