Scott Parker has played down the prospect of hanging up his boots at the end of the season – as he is enjoying being a part of this year’s Fulham squad too much.
The veteran former England captain has been largely injury free this year – in a stark change to his past two previous seasons at Craven Cottage – and, although he might not be as a much of a first team fixture this term, it is clear that Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic greatly values his influence. Parker, now 36, admits that he had previously considered retirement at the end of this year but says he is greatly enjoying mixing with his team mates and passing on the benefit of his experience to the younger players.
Parker, who signed a one-year deal last summer, told GetWestLondon that wants to ‘try and carry on’ playing for as long as possible:
I’ve had a full pre-season and not come off the back of surgery. Last year I was chasing my tail, but now I feel fit and feel sharp.
If you’d asked me the retirement question last year, I would have said it’s not too long. But this year I feel I can contribute and as long as I can do that in any way I love being around.
I’ve been here four years. Obviously it’s not been the best with me not being in a struggling side sometimes. But being in a successful time would be a massive highlight. Yeah, I want to try and carry on.
The former Charlton, West Ham and Tottenham midfielder, who has already completed some of his coaching badges with the FA at St. George’s Park in anticipation of the next stage of his career, has made 18 appearances so far this season and is expected to be included in Fulham’s squad for tomorrow’s trip to Wolves. He missed the recent away defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion due to suspension.
