Ichiro Suzuki has no desire to stop playing baseball as he nears his 44th birthday, saying he wants to return to the Marlins in 2018 -- and beyond.

How much longer? "At least 50," Ichiro told reporters through his interpreter on Friday.

The Marlins hold a $2 million team option for next season, and they have yet to decide on the backup outfielder's future with the team.

"There's no reason not to be back," Ichiro, who turns 44 on Oct. 22, told reporters. "It's definitely a place I would want to be."