Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer wants to play at 2014 World Cup

Mark Schwarzer, Australia (Getty Images)

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Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is keen to play at the 2014 World Cup, despite the fact he’ll be 41 by the time the tournament comes around.

Schwarzer, 38, has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Mark Hughes’s side this season and also played in January’s Asian Cup where Australia were beaten finalists against Japan.

Australia’s most capped player told The Weekend Australian he believes he can play on until the 2014 World Cup and isn’t thinking about retirement anytime soon.

“I am feeling great. Why not?” said Schwarzer. “I don’t want to jinx myself and I am not naive because a lot of things can change very quickly between now and then, especially physically and form wise.

“I have learned to be a bit more cautious. But I would be lying if I said Brazil isn’t part of my plans.”

Schwarzer said the example of veteran goalkeepers in the Premier League such as Manchester United’s Edwin van der Sar proved his career could continue for some years yet.

“It’s inevitable that my age is brought up,” said Schwarzer. “The thing is, it seems more of an issue in Australia.

“It is not brought up over here in England. People look at the likes of Edwin van der Sar and Aston Villa’s Brad Friedel. They are both 40 and still at the top of their game. People respect that.

“If I had listened to some people in Australia I would have retired four years ago from the national team. It is a very personal decision. Once you are retired, that’s it.

“Playing is such an amazing experience and I want to make the most of it. I don’t want any regrets later by asking myself ‘Did I do the right thing or not’.”