Nicky Butt has admitted that the 2009/10 campaign could be his last as a professional footballer.
Magpies midfielder hints at hanging up his boots
Nicky Butt has admitted that the 2009/10 campaign could be his last as a professional footballer.
The 34-year-old will see his current contract at Newcastle expire at the end of the season and he has revealed that the conclusion of that deal may spell the end of his career.
The former England international has been a key figure of the Magpies this season as they look to make an immediate return to the Premier League, but niggling injuries have started to take their toll.
Butt has found his first-team opportunities at St James' Park limited of late as a result and accepts that his body may be telling him it is time to slip into retirement.
Hanging up his boots is by no means guaranteed, as he retains his passion for the game, but the ex-Manchester United midfielder accepts he would have to seriously consider his options were he offered the opportunity to prolong his association with Newcastle in the summer.
Decisions
Butt told the
Journal: "I know I haven't got much longer left, so I just want to enjoy playing the game while I can before worrying about what to do once I have stopped.
"I haven't made any decisions about my future yet. I'm just going to take it as it comes. I'm signed until the summer and I will see how I feel then.
"If I'm offered another deal here, I will certainly think about it, but it will depend how I feel. If I feel great, I will carry on; if I don't, that will be that.
"I don't know if the legs have got another season in them yet, but I'm feeling OK at the moment.
"I did start my coaching badges a couple of years ago, but it's been put on hold for now."
