Paul Gascoigne today hinted he may be on the verge of retiring.
Everton's former England midfielder believes the time soon may be right for him to call time on a glittering, if controversial, 18-year career which has taken him to the World Cup finals and brought him spells with a string of top British clubs as well as Lazio in Italy.
The 34-year-old told ITV1's On The Ball programme he is now considering calling it a day - possibly at the end of the current Premiership season.
"I am looking at retirement," he said.
"My dad's looking forward to my pension, because he wants a new car and a boat."
Gascoigne, who signed for Everton on a free transfer from Middlesbrough at the start of last season, suggested a younger player may well be able to offer the Toffees better value for money.
"I am 34, and the manager has brought in some midfield players. That is only right, because I am getting on a bit," he said.
"This team needs to grow, and I am sure the money they are giving me every week could buy some talented young lad wanting to do well for the club.
"He could go in and take my wages. I do not mind that at all, because I love the club and I think they deserve more."
Gascoigne added he has already received alternative offers of employment abroad should he decide to continue his playing career.
He said: "I have had some good offers from abroad - really good ones.
"It all depends if I want to play in the sun again - whether it be America, Dubai or a couple of other places abroad."
PA