Michael Carrick has ruled out a move to another English team if he leaves Manchester United this summer and told ESPN FC he will face a decision as to whether to call time on his career if the club chooses not to offer him a new contract at the end of the season.
Carrick, 35, won his 10th major medal as a United player in Sunday's EFL Cup final victory over Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and will be honoured with a testimonial at Old Trafford on June 4, 11 years after arriving at the club for £18.3 million from Tottenham.
The midfielder is out of contract at United at the end of this season and has yet to discuss a new deal with manager Jose Mourinho or executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. But while he refused to rule out staying another year at Old Trafford, Carrick insists that he will not move elsewhere in England.
"I have had so many good times here that I couldn't play anywhere else in England," he told ESPN FC. "I must admit I would find it difficult to play anyone else in this country after playing here. I don't think I could do that.
"I have always wanted to go out at the top, I have felt like that for quite some time now. I want to go out on my terms. That's not me being selfish, I just want don't want to go over the hill and fizzle away. I want to go out when I know it's the right time, but it's a tough balance to get, knowing that that is my lot."
Should Carrick become a free agent this summer, the former England midfielder will consider offers from China and the MLS. But he admits that any move, should he continue to play, will be taken with the best interest of his young family in mind.
"China?" Carrick said. "It is one of those questions that is popping up in everyone's minds at the moment, but who knows? It's a tough question. It depends what the options are and what's right for the family and kids."
Carrick, meanwhile, will donate all proceeds from the testimonial to charity after arranging a game between United's 2008 Champions League winners and an All-Star lineup. Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Owen have already agreed to play for the All-Stars and Carrick admits he never imagined staying at United long enough to earn a testimonial.
"It never crossed my mind," he said. "At the outset, it was such a big move and the only thing you want to do is get in the team.
"To get a testimonial is pretty rare nowadays and I am very proud to get one. It will all hit me on the day I guess. It will be strange, but I will enjoy it. It will be great for my family and kids -- they are at an age now where they can enjoy, so it means as much for them as me.
"I am looking forward to it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am well aware of that. It is all for charity too, which I am proud of, so can hopefully raise as much as possible."