The former Rangers star also insists he has no problem about playing second fiddle to Roy Makaay after joining Feyenoord on a one-year contract.

The Rotterdammers have been on the lookout for a second striker since the departure of Angelos Charisteas to Nurnberg, and Mols is under no illusions as to where he stands in the pecking order.

The 36-year-old told www.feyenoord.nl: "I had a talk with the coach [Bert van Marwijk] on Sunday. He explained to me honestly and clearly what my role will be.

"Makaay is the first striker and I am the second or third one. My arrival gives the coach more options, which is most important."

Technical manager Peter Bosz said: "The transfer of Angelos was financially interesting for us, but we could not start the Eredivisie season with only one quality striker."

Van Marwijk and Bosz see Mols predominantly as a player who can come on and influence a match from the bench.

Bosz said: "We will keep on searching hard for a striker next to Makaay. But with Michael we now have an experienced and good striker, who can show younger players the way."

Mols spent last season at ADO Den Haag and had intended to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign but has now decided to prolong his career for at least another 12 months.

"I could have gone to Australia and I went there to see what it was like," he said. "It didn't feel good and when I feel doubts I don't do it.

"At Feyenoord I felt for the first time in a long time some nervousness. This could be a very nice year and that is the way I want to say goodbye to football."