Lyon captain Juninho has hinted he could retire when his contract expires in the summer of 2010.

Juninho's arrival at Lyon in 2001 coincided with the start of the club's domination of French football as they won their first Ligue 1 title, swiftly followed by six more on the trot.

However, the former Brazil international, who turns 34 at the end of this month, admits next season could be his last.

"I know that I'm near the end of my career," Juninho told Le Progres. "I feel the time has come to prepare for the future with my family.

"Young players could be able to express themselves better without me.

"I'm under contract until 2010 and I don't dare ask for an extension. I have my ideas and I don't want to reveal them. But the club knows about them and I hope that they have understood me well."

Before Juninho hangs up his boots for good he wants to record a century of goals for Lyon.

The midfielder, who has four goals to his name this season, is currently six off that milestone.

"My immediate targets are to help the team win and play well," continued Juninho. "This season I have played less but the results are there.

"If that continues I will be happy with that.

"I am very happy to have succeeded at Lyon and when I saw the tribute that was given to (Steven) Gerrard after his 100th goal for Liverpool, I said to myself that's a good target."