Mark Crossley is aiming to carry on playing until he reaches his 40th year.
Mark Crossley is aiming to carry on playing until he reaches his 40th year, having seen his career rejuvenated by a loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday.
The well travelled 37-year-old recently made the temporary move to Hillsborough and at the weekend rolled back the years with a vintage display between the posts.
Championship leaders Cardiff were repeatedly denied by Crossley's age-defying agility, although one gaffe nearly ruined his afternoon, only for Michael Chopra's weak finish to let him off the hook.
Crossley is willing to accept that his days in the top flight at Craven Cottage are very much drawing to a close but loving life closer to his hometown Hoyland, he has urged Wednesday to make his sojourn in the north a more permanent arrangement.
"Listen, everybody keeps mentioning age but when someone wants you, you keep playing," said Crossley.
"Nigel Martyn did it, so did David Seaman. I want to play until I am 40.
"I got the phone call and I did not hesitate. I want to play football. Fulham agreed to let me go and agreed to pay part of my wages, so I am thankful to them as well.
"I just didn't want to turn down the opportunity of a big club. It is on my doorstep, I am a local lad.
"If the opportunity comes to stay any longer, of course I want to stay. It looks like my time is up at Fulham.
"If Fulham give me the opportunity to come here, then yes, I want to talk about it."
