Everton defender Sylvain Distin says retirement isn't on the agenda.

Distin, 36, has already been awarded a contract for next season by manager Roberto Martinez in recognition of his outstanding form.

Asked about his longevity, Distin smiled: "It is a mix of things. I started with good genes from my parents but I also made a big decision when I turned 30 to work hard to keep what I've got.

"Every summer, I take two weeks off my holiday to go to a training camp where I work two sessions a day, just to be ready physically when I come back to Everton for pre-season training.

"During the season, I go to the gym every day unless we are playing or it's the day before a game. Is that luck? It is more about the work that I put in and I am getting the rewards for it now.

"I don't do it for pleasure, that's for sure. It is something you have to do if you want to keep up after you pass a certain age. Strikers now are bigger, stronger, faster. You can't just cross your fingers and hope for the best against them."