Bayern Munich goalkeeper Tom Starke is set to resolve his future in talks with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Uli Hoeness this week.
Starke, 36, Bayern's third-choice goalkeeper proved the unlikely matchwinner at the weekend, saving a late penalty as the German champions spluttered to a narrow 1-0 victory over relegated Darmstadt.
With number one Manuel Neuer already ruled out for the season with a foot injury, backup keeper Sven Ulreich suffered a season-ending elbow injury in training.
"I knew there was no way past me after Sven's injury on Friday," Starke told reporters.
Plunged into the limelight once again -- 37 months after his last Bundesliga appearance in March 2014 -- Starke produced a string of fine saves, including an 86th minute penalty stop from former Bayern midfielder Hamit Altintop, to preserve the champions' slender advantage.
Following spells at Duisburg, Paderborn and Hamburg, Starke joined Bayern from Hoffenheim in 2012, amassing 13 trophies -- despite only playing eight competitive games in Bayern colours.
It was thought Starke would move onto the coaching staff working with the young goalkeepers when his current playing deal ends in the summer. However, following his swift elevation from number three to number one, the veteran is keeping his options open and hasn't ruled out playing on for another year.
TOM STARKE!
Matches: ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽⚽⚽
Bundesliga: 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆
Pokal: 🏆 🏆 🏆
DFL Supercup: 🏆 🏆
UCL: 🏆
UEFA Super Cup: 🏆
FIFA Club World Cup: 🏆 pic.twitter.com/arrrPvG0ya— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) May 1, 2017
"At the moment, my body can handle it so that suits me," he said. "I would not say I want to stop playing. But if I'm wanted for youth work then I really look forward to that too. I am open to all eventualities."
In addition, Starke, who has collected a trophy for every 55 minutes of Bayern action, will represent himself when he sits down with the Bayern hierarchy.
"I'm at an age when I can handle my own affairs," he said.
