Rickie Lambert tells Southampton he wants to stay at St Mary's

There has been speculation surrounding the striker

Rickie Lambert celebrates scoring in the 2-2 draw between Southampton and Wigan (GETTY IMAGES)

Rickie Lambert wants to stay at Southampton for the rest of his career.

The 30-year-old striker arrived at St Mary's from Bristol Rovers in 2009 and has helped the club rise from League One to the Premier League.

Lambert, who has scored 99 goals for the club, is the highest English scorer in the Premier League this season, leading to reported interest from others.

However, the Liverpudlian has quashed such talk, saying he would like to end his playing days at the south coast club.

"My family are happy here and I am very happy," Lambert told The Sun.

"It has been a special three and a half years and I would love to finish my career at Southampton.

"The club's ambitions are very high. Southampton is going to be an exciting place over the next few years."

PA