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Sam Ricketts pledges his career to Wolves

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Captain Sam Ricketts today declared he wants to stay at Wolves for life.

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The 32-year-old skipper is into the final year of his contract and head coach Kenny Jackett said recently he wants to extend the defender's deal, although it's understood talks haven't started yet.

Ricketts, who began his career with tomorrow's friendly opponents Oxford in 1999, is very happy at Molineux and says he wants to stay as long as possible.

"I've had such a great year I couldn't ask for any more, and as captain of such a fantastic club, I can't see why anyone would want to leave - I certainly don't," said the former Swansea, Hull and Bolton defender.

"I came here this time last year and what an incredible 12 months it's been.

"I joined the club at the start of a new era, I'm really proud to be captain of this club and I certainly don't have any thoughts of going anywhere else.

"I'd like to be here for as long as I can."

Jackett believes Ricketts can play right through his 30s and the Wales international aims to be an influence on and off the pitch for years to come.

"I aim to play for as long as I can and keep myself as fit as possible," he said.

"You need a bit of Lady Luck along the way but at the minute I feel great.

"Physically I'm good and my running stats have improved so I have no issues whatsoever.

"I'm enjoying it, I feel hungry, I still want to improve physically and as a player, so the desire is there.

"So hopefully I can be an influence on the pitch for as long as possible."

As the club's oldest and most experienced player, Ricketts has emerged as a mentor figure at Molineux.

"I'd like to think I'm an influence off the pitch as well, with regards to the younger lads and maintaining the general standards," he said.

"I hope I'm someone who sets the standards on the training ground and on the pitch.

"I try to help the younger lads – there are a few lads who come to me for advice and I think that's where my experience helps, and hopefully it's the right advice.

"Quite a few younger lads ask me questions and I think that's the responsibility as a senior player.

"But first and foremost, I think I've got plenty to add on the pitch."