Johnny Damon told reporters in the Yankee Stadium interview room that next year may be his final season before retiring, and he would like to spend it with the Detroit Tigers, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.

“I’m hoping to stay. I’m hoping after this season they want me back to, I feel, be a part of something special. I think that’s a big reason why I chose Detroit, because I felt like there was something happening there with a winning ballclub. A championship would mean the world to the fans there, to that economy, to the owner. That’s why I felt was, and is, the best place for me right now.”

Damon will be a free agent after the season, and Beck says there has been speculation as to whether he would end the season as Tiger. It’s still possible that the team could trade him if he clears waivers.

“My experience in Detroit has been great,” Damon said. “I love it there. I feel like the team is an up-and-coming team with a lot of young kids there that definitely need guidance to show them the hopes, and it seems like they’ve been doing a pretty good job at it.”