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Roberto Martinez: 'Leon Osman can play on for years'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes that veteran midfielder Leon Osman can play on for more years, as he prepares for his testimonial on Sunday.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes that Leon Osman can carry on playing for a number of years, despite the veteran turning 34 next year.

The long-serving Osman will celebrate his testimonial match against Portuguese side Porto on Sunday, and the Spanish coach thinks that there is still plenty to come from the midfielder.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "I think Ossie is a very unique type of footballer and I think it is impossible to guess how many more years he can play for because he doesn't rely on his physical ability.

"A player could be 'out of date' if you like, when you rely on the power and the pace but Leon Osman relies on his tactical awareness and his decision making, quick feet and ability so I think if anything, the older he has got the more important he has become.

"He was the only player for us to play in every single league game for us last season and so that makes it impossible to say for how many more years he can carry on playing at the top level."

Everton broke their transfer record when Romelu Lukaku signed for £28m from Chelsea on Wednesday.

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Porto's Ghanaian forward Christian Atsu celebrates after scoring during the Portuguese league football match Beira Mar vs Porto at the Municipal Stadium in Aveiro on February 15, 2013
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