Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer signs new contract

Schwarzer had been heavily linked with Arsenal

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has signed a new two-year contract to keep him at the club until 2012.

Australian Schwarzer, 38, who moved to Craven Cottage from Middlesbrough in 2008, was a target for Arsenal during the last transfer window.

"He was obviously very flattered by the interest. We're delighted that he's decided to stay here and we can move forward now," said manager Mark Hughes.

Schwarzer added he was "delighted" to have ended speculation over his future.

"The club, manager and team have all highlighted their desire to see me stay at the Cottage and after successful negotiations I can confirm that my future is with Fulham," Schwarzer told the Furlham website.

606: DEBATE This is great news or is it just a plot to get more money from any potential suitors in January? Cravingawin

In his first season with the Cottagers, Schwarzer was named the club's player of the year as then manager Roy Hodgson took Fulham to seventh, their best finish in the Premier League.

The keeper has also played for Australia 82 times, including at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals.

He could go on for many more years, even further than he's going to be contracted for Mark Hughes

Hughes indicated he would consider handing Schwarzer a coaching role at the club when his playing days are over.

The Australian will be almost 40 when his new deal expires, although there is an option for a one-year extension.

"If that's something [coaching] he wants to pursue in the future, I would certainly be receptive to enabling him to possibly start his coaching career and see how it develops," Hughes added.

"He's a very fit guy. We've given him a decent length in terms of his contract and he could go on for many more years, even further than he's going to be contracted for.

"So that's credit to him and that's why he's a good professional - he's looked after himself and, if you do that in football terms, then you can be rewarded into your 30s and 40s as a keeper."