Ex-Middlesbrough and Liverpool ace has no plans to retire after positive Blackburn Rovers spell

The 35-year-old left Teesside last summer to join up with former Boro boss Tony Mowbray at Rovers and has made a total of 36 appearances so far this season before all football was suspended following the coronavirus outbreak.

The former England international turns 36 in July but has no plans to call it a day this summer, with Downing enjoying a new lease of life after his move.

“The move has been everything I’ve wanted it to be,” he said.

“I play most weeks and have a good relationship with the manager. I still have that hunger, if I didn’t I would have walked away. When my legs have gone, I’ll go.

“The biggest thing is that you’re enjoying it, you’re fit and you’re contributing.

“If I wasn’t playing then it would be time to move away but it’s not been like that.”

Downing signed a one-year deal last summer and could extend his stay in the North West, though there was also strong interest from US clubs last summer.

He added: “The club is great, they’re great people and I can’t ask for more.

“I’m absolutely loving my football. I’ve certainly enjoyed playing with these lads.

“People keep asking me how long I am going to keep playing but I don’t know. As long as it keeps going like it is now I’ll just keep playing,” he told the Star.