The Australian goalkeeper, who turns 40 in October, has put pen to paper on a one-year extension which will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2013.

Schwarzer is currently out with a spinal injury but told the club's website he was delighted with the new deal and added he sees no end in sight for his playing days.

“I love playing and want to continue for as long as possible as long as the performances are there,” Schwarzer said.

“I like to set myself targets and the 2014 World Cup is my goal without a doubt."

The evergreen Schwarzer remains Australia's undisputed number one goalkeeper and his contract extension will be good news for the Socceroos in the lead-up to Brazil 2014.

Schwarzer continued: “I’m enjoying my football as much as ever and I try to maximise every opportunity I get.

"The saying I use is ‘I’ll be a long time retired’, so I want to do the best job I can. There’s plenty of time to feel tired when you’re retired – now is the time to enjoy it.

“I realised a long time ago what a great life I have and you have to be realistic and realise how privileged we are to play football for a living, at this level in the Premier League. In my opinion it’s still the best league in the world.

“I look at Brad Freidel and he’s older than me so I’ll keep going as long as he’s going! He said to me he’s going to play for at least another two seasons so I’ve got at least that.”

Sydney-born Schwarzer joined Fulham in 2008 and helped the club reach the final of the 2010 Europa League.

Earlier this month, Fulham boss Martin Jol had reiterated his faith in the veteran and labelled him one of Europe's top shot-stoppers.

"With Mark Schwarzer, there was never any doubt in my mind, and in anybody's mind, that he's one of the best keepers in England, maybe in Europe," Jol said. "I've had a lot of good goalkeepers and he stands out."