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Raikkonen: Retiring was never an option

Kimi Raikkonen said retirement was never option for him after announcing he had extended his contract with the Ferrari team until 2010

The Finn's future had been surrounded by wild speculation in recent months, especially since he has struggled to match the results of teammate Felipe Massa.

Ferrari put an end to all the rumours on Friday, however, confirming both drivers would stay on for another two years.

"I never said it (retirement) was (as option). It was all you guys," Raikkonen told reporters at Monza. "It was not what I said. I said I had a contract for the next year at least and then we see after that. I have a couple more years and we look when the times comes for what happens after that."

He added: "I always had a contract for next year anyway. I never said I was going to retire, it came from you guys. I still enjoy it. I still drive as well as I can.

"Sometimes when the results are not coming it is not such good fun but it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy it. It was not a very difficult choice. I enjoy working with the people, so I am happy."

Despite his problems inside the car, Raikkonen said he had no worries about his future.

"I haven't been worrying about anything. It was my decision, so I knew what I could do and what is possible. It doesn't change anything for this year or the future - I still try to do the best I can.

"And hopefully now we have started to find the way we want and hopefully we can get a good result."

The Finn admitted changing teams was never a possibility either.

"I wouldn't go anywhere else. I won last year and we are still not out this year. I still enjoy it, even though sometimes it is not such good fun.

"When the results are not coming, it is nothing to do with the team or me - it is just that we didn't get it right together. We are making things go in the right direction though."

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