SYLVAIN Distin refused to rule out football at 40 despite admitting he had initially been expecting to retire in 2012.

Distin's one-year contract at Cherries is due to expire this summer and the centre-half admits he does not know what the future holds.

The 38-year-old has played in the Premier League for 15 years with Newcastle, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Everton, who Cherries host in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday (5.15pm).

Distin holds the record for the most appearances made by a foreign outfield player in the top flight, the figure currently standing at 468.

And the Frenchman says he will take time to consider his playing future in the summer.

He told the Daily Echo: "When I signed for Everton in 2009, the contract was for two years with a further one-year option. I thought that was perfect as I was 31 at the time.

"I thought I would play for the first two seasons and then would be on the bench for the third one, and then that would be me done.

"But I ended up playing for Everton for six years and I'm still playing now. I didn't plan it this way. I was supposed to be in the south of France four years ago!

"At the end of last season, I took two weeks to completely cut off football and reflect on what I wanted, my desire and my passion. Everything was still there so I decided to carry on.

"I'm pretty sure I will do more or less the same again at the end of this season.

"Whether I carry on or stop, it's a decision I can take very easily and I feel comfortable with either decision."

Questioned about playing professionally for another two and a half seasons – past his 40th birthday – Distin did not rule out the prospect but admitted it would be a tough task.

Distin said: "I don't know. It's getting difficult. The youngsters are pushing behind me, they are stronger and faster and everything is very difficult now.

"It's a tough job to keep. It's difficult to play in the Premier League and it's even more difficult to remain there.

"I don't think about what is going to happen in two years. I just want to finish this season and make sure I give my best and make sure the club remains in the Premier League.

"Then I will go away and reflect and make a decision."

Distin has started just nine of Cherries' 26 top-flight games this season but insists he is not aggrieved by his relatively limited involvement.

He added: "When I open the newspaper, there are guys who are 33 or 34 who can't find a club.

"I'm 38 and am still in the Premier League and have played a lot of games until now. It would be stupid for me to start complaining.

"The day I don't enjoy it any more, I'll stop. I'm in the lucky position that I can still train every day and play. My job is my passion and I'm really lucky about that.

"The day my passion fades, I think that will be a sign for me to stop. It will be the passion or the legs."