Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Troy Polamalu has insisted that he has not thought about retiring from the game following his side's playoff defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.

The 33-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Steelers, but showed a decline in play over the last year, while he also struggled with an injury which cost him four matches this season.

He told reporters: "Honestly, we just lost a game. I don't think I'm prepared to even think about that or talk about that at this time.

"There is a lot of young talent all over the field. This team really grew throughout the season, not just in the secondary."

Polamalu won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008.