WILLY Caballero admits he was set to call time on his playing career, before Saints came calling last season.

The former Argentina international answered Saints' call to step in as emergency cover in December, following injuries to both Fraser Forster and Alex McCarthy.

Free agent Caballero initially signed a one-month deal, but impressed enough to earn a contract until the end of the 2021-22 season.

And now Saints have opted to extend the 40-year-old's stay even further, until next summer.

Caballero made four appearances for Saints last season, and will now compete with McCarthy, as well as newcomers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis for more minutes.

Explaining his decision to prolong his career, Caballero told Saints' website: "It’s not because I’m 40, because I’ve been thinking about it for a few years, but it is a discussion with myself and my family also.

"It’s a continuing fight between those questions and answers about it, but always winning is my passion for football; always winning is my desire to train and compete.

“Every year that I’ve been spending playing football and training, I feel better. Last season was exceptional, because I didn’t start properly with a pre-season.

“Even when I was training really hard with another team, with Wimbledon, who helped me to get fit, I was considering to finish my career, because I didn’t have the chance to find another team.

"But when I arrived here, training with the guys filled my whole body and mind with energy to continue, and I’m feeling really well and happy that happened.

“My feelings changed immediately. It was so easy to adapt here, so I believe it’s not just for myself, it’s a very good decision for my family and also for the team, so everyone is happy. This is a win win, I believe.”

Prior to joining Saints, Caballero played for Manchester City and Chelsea, having previously spent most of his career in Spain.

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