Neville keen to keep playing

Everton captain Phil Neville intends to play on for two or three more years after passing yet another career milestone.

Last Updated: 28/12/12 at 15:30 Post Comment   

Phil Neville: Feels he can keep playing for another two or three years

Phil Neville: Feels he can keep playing for another two or three years

The skipper became the seventh player to reach the landmark of 500 Premier League appearances, following in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs, Gary Speed, Sol Campbell, David James, Frank Lampard and Emile Heskey, when he played against Wigan on Boxing Day.

In the short term, Neville admits to targeting another significant career statistic but thoughts of retirement are not concerning the former Manchester United and England player, who turns 36 next month.

"The win against Wigan was more important but the 500 appearances is something I have been aiming for the last couple of seasons," said Neville, who is out of contract at Goodison Park at the end of this season.

"I knew it would probably come this season and I have been striving for it, trying to keep myself fit.

"When it came I thought 'dear me, I am getting old'. When you get to my age, these landmarks keep coming - my next aim is to get another 14 games to get to 700 career appearances.

"The pleasing thing is that I have still got the hunger and desire to play on for two or three seasons. When you get to 35, and I am 36 next month, the key bits are: one, your fitness and how your body feels - my body feels good, and two, can you still make a contribution to the team - and I think that I am contributing.

"The minute that stops or my body starts wailing I will have to look at myself in the mirror."

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