Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross has admitted that he "would love to finish" his career at the bet365 Stadium.

The long-serving centre-back has spent close to a decade in the Potteries, racking up over 300 league appearances for the club since joining permanently in 2008.

Shawcross put an end to speculation regarding his future at the start of the campaign by signing a new four-year deal but, while he does not intend to move on, the 30-year-old concedes that the matter may be out of his own hands one day.

"You never say never - I might get dropped next week and never play for the club again," he told Sky Sports News. "I've signed a long-term contract, I've got a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, and I'd love to finish my career here, but football is difficult and you never know."

Asked about his aspirations heading into his second decade with City, Shawcross added: "Unless the club suddenly decides to plough in hundreds of millions - which I don't think they do, they try and make the club run itself - it is very difficult.

"Unless you've got [Manchester City owner] Sheikh Mansour, it is very difficult to crack into the European places. The Europa League is achievable but you have to have a fantastic season. Hopefully we can, whether it be this season or in the future."

Shawcross, who spent an initial spell on loan at Stoke in 2007, has been used 11 times in the Premier League this term.