Basel’s Chipperfield hints at A-League return

FC Basel star Scott Chipperfield has given another strong indication that he may end his playing career back home in the A-League.

The Australia international was heavily linked with a move to Gold Coast United last season but the new club could not fit him into the salary cap but he is still entertaining the idea of coming back, potentially after the World Cup.

"I spoke to the Gold Coast but they didn't have anything because of the salary cap," Chipperfield told the Illawarra Mercury.

"I'll have to see what pops up in the A-League. I might just retire after the World Cup. I'll see what my motivation is like. I have talked to Basel about playing another year.

"I'm thinking about it, but the winters here are getting hard.

"There's two stadiums with synthetic pitches and another one going in next year and it's not great on my body.”

Recently the 34-year old veteran has been trying to regain full fitness after being out for some time with an ankle injury but is confident he can get back to consistent form leading into the World Cup later this year.

“I feel pretty confident at the moment. (David) Carney and a few other guys have done well, hopefully I can regain my match fitness and play well," Chipperfield added.

"The World Cup hasn't been the priority, my first aim was to get back on the pitch because people were wondering if I would be back in time. My ankle is holding up well and we have 14 games before the World Cup so I'll be able to get some match fitness."