Carragher made his Liverpool debut back in 1997

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has said he would have "no problem" leaving Anfield should his hometown club decide not to extend his current contract.

The 32-year-old has just over a year left on his contract, but has yet to begin negotiations over a new deal.

He told the Sunday Times: "I'll still play my best and if I have to move then I'll move. It wouldn't bother me."

Carragher has spent his entire career at Anfield, making over 500 appearances for the club over the last decade.

The Bootle-born central defender, who made his debut against Middlesbrough in 1997, is one of the few home-grown products to regularly make Liverpool's starting line-up.

He has been a mainstay of the side this season, with only midfielders Dirk Kuyt and Lucas Leiva making more Premier League appearances for the Reds.

606: DEBATE It is beyond me that we haven't at least offered a one-year extension to take him to 2012 dvs

However, Liverpool's vice captain acknowledged he may have to look elsewhere if he wants to continue his playing career.

"The club will give me a new contract if they want to," he added. "It's a club thing. It's down to them. I'll keep playing and see where it takes me."

The versatile defender quit international football in 2007 after becoming disillusioned with a lack of opportunities in the England team and said he was "not scared of making big decisions".

Manager Rafael Benitez said the player wanted to concentrate on completing this season before beginning talks on a new deal.

"There is no news about Carragher," said Benitez. "We have spoken to him and he was very clear that at this moment he just wants to concentrate on doing his job.

"I think Jamie prefers the situation as it is. The information I have is that he is comfortable with how things are and that he wants to wait."

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