Bundesliga
Lukasz Piszczek unsure about retirement
Lukasz Piszczek has opened the door to playing for Borussia Dortmund beyond summer 2020 when his current contract with the club expires.
Piszczek, 34, signed a new two-year extension with BVB in March 2018, and initially said it would be his last deal before hanging up his boots.
The Polish right-back, who is currently preparing for his 10th season as a Dortmund player and 13th in the Bundesliga following an earlier spell with Hertha Berlin, appears to have had a change of heart, however.
"Right now, I don't want to say for certain that I'll end my career next year," Piszczek told Polish sports magazine, Przeglad Sportowy. "We'll see how it goes. If there's an option to extend, I'll be open to it."
Watch: When Patrick Owomoyela met Lukasz Piszczek
Despite missing a good chunk of the 2018/19 season with a persistent heel injury and the emergence of Real Madrid loanee Achraf Hakimi, Piszczek made 20 Bundesliga appearances last term.
He says his dedication to all aspects of his craft are a key reason why he is still able to play at the highest level into his mid-30s.
"You have to oil the machine continuously," explained Piszczek, who turns 35 next June. "I don't just pay attention to the sporting side of things, but also the psychological. That's essential in modern football.
"Younger players are better trained and in great physical condition, but there's still a demand for players like me.
"I feel more like I'm 29 or 30."
Piszczek, a two-time Bundesliga, DFB Cup and German Supercup winner with Dortmund, is set to break the 300-game barrier in the Bundesliga in 2019/20.
Of all currently active Dortmund players, only returning central defender Mats Hummels (300 Bundesliga apps to Piszczek's 292) has turned out more often in Germany's top tier.
"I work and live like a professional," Piszczek said of his longevity. "I think the club appreciate that about me."