Schwarzer extends Cottage stay

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Craven Cottage until at least 2013.

The 39-year-old has expressed his eagerness to represent Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with the stopper’s playing career now likely to extend into his 40s.

Despite Schwarzer’s current injury woes, with the ex-Middlesbrough missing from action since December, Martin Jol and the Fulham board were keen to wrap up the Australian’s services for a further year.

Schwarzer said: “I love playing and want to continue for as long as possible as long as the performances are there.”

“I like to set myself targets and the 2014 World Cup is my goal without a doubt.”

“I’m enjoying my football as much as ever and I try to maximise every opportunity I get. The saying I use is ‘I’ll be a long time retired’, so I want to do the best job I can. There’s plenty of time to feel tired when you’re retired – now is the time to enjoy it.”

“I realised a long time ago what a great life I have and you have to be realistic and realise how privileged we are to play football for a living, at this level in the Premier League. In my opinion it’s still the best league in the world.”

“I look at Brad Freidel and he’s older than me so I’ll keep going as long as he’s going! He said to me he’s going to play for at least another two seasons so I’ve got at least that.”

Schwarzer has made 162 appearances in all competitions since his move from Middlesbrough on a free transfer in 2008.