Given the choice between a cosy life behind the scenes at Arsenal or gambling his reputation at Manchester City, David Seaman resisted the soft option and will feel immediately vindicated.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was among the first to offer his congratulations yesterday, with a message that the door to an international recall remains open.

Seaman's decision to prolong his career beyond his 40th birthday is based on his desire to represent England in next summer's European Championship.

"I am very pleased for David. He's 39 and that's very, very well done," said England's coach. "I told him when he wasn't picked in the last squad that if he goes on playing Premiership or First Division football he would be treated just as all the other goalkeepers.

"I'm happy if he thinks he can still be the England goalkeeper next summer. That's up to him. It's up to me to judge who is the best goalkeeper."

There is little doubt, however, the one-year contract with which Kevin Keegan has tempted Seaman to sever his 13-year association with Arsenal represents a gamble for club and player.

The logic in replacing Peter Schmeichel, 40 in November, with a goalkeeper two months his senior is bound to come under scrutiny with every slight error.

At Arsenal, an emotional farewell will not provoke regret. Arsene Wenger spoke of a "great loss" but not so great that he was willing to abandon his plans to bring in another goalkeeper and offer Seaman anything more than a coaching role. Quite simply, Wenger did not believe Seaman was equipped for another season in the highest tier.

"I want at least one more season of first-team football in the Premiership and I honestly feel as fit as ever," Seaman said. "I have given this move an enormous amount of thought and I believe the time is right for a new challenge."