Everton manager Roberto Martinez expects midfield stalwart Leon Osman to still be at Goodison Park beyond 2016.
The 33-year-old, who made his debut for Toffees in 2003, signed a one-year extension with the club this week.
However, Martinez is adamant that this new contract is not an expiration date on Osman's Everton career and believes that the twice-capped English international will remain a key figure on Merseyside for years to come.
"You don't get many footballers like Leon," Martinez told reporters. "You don't get so many players celebrating testimonials in the modern game. And then you look at the way he is enjoying his football, the way he is efficient and effective in games, and the way he took his goal on Thursday against Lille.
"I think that is him, if you want to have a snapshot of what he brings in a game. He has great composure, arrives into the box and shows real style and quality to score the goal.
The extra year is a reward he deserves and now he is not waiting until the end of the season. But signing the reward of a year's deal doesn't mean you are going to retire at the end of that contract.
"The club is moving forward and we have a policy that any player over 30 has to prove their fitness so that we are up to speed year by year. And I hope Leon Osman is fully fit for many, many years to come and can write many other pages of history with Everton. He is very close to 400 appearances and is a special figure for us."
Osman has made 397 appearances for Everton in all competitions, including 10 this season.
Joe Fish
