( CNN ) He 's been dubbed the `` Secretary of Defense , '' but do n't expect Tim Howard to be repelling Major League Soccer forwards any time soon . The 35-year-old says he intends to end his club career at Everton , the club he first joined on loan in 2006 . Howard has been a mainstay in goal for the English Premier League team and if not for a back injury two years ago , likely would have matched -- and exceeded -- Neville Southall 's Everton record of consecutive league appearances . He signed a contract extension until 2018 with the club last April . `` It 's the club that I love , '' the ex MetroStars standout told CNN . `` It 's been a brilliant relationship with myself and the chairman and both managers -- and with the fans . `` It 's a place where I can achieve the things I want to achieve and push myself every day and I am still hungry for the game . `` All of the questions I have been looking for in my career have been answered here . So I think I would like to finish here and then be done . `` I 'm living the good life here at Everton and I do n't think I really need to change the scenery . '' But that does n't mean Howard plans on missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia . Howard is taking a break from the national team this season to spend more time with his two U.S.-based children though is hoping to return to Jurgen Klinsmann 's side and reclaim the starting position from Aston Villa 's Brad Guzan . Howard sparkled for the U.S. at the most recent World Cup in Brazil last year , especially against Belgium in the round of 16 when he made a tournament record 15 saves . He was even congratulated by U.S. President Barack Obama and earned the nickname , `` Secretary of Defense . '' `` I was physically strong and mentally I felt motivated to continue and so to be quite honest -- I miss it , '' he said of his international sabbatical . `` I do n't know how it 's going to end but my plan is to certainly be part of a U.S. team that qualifies for Russia and to be in Russia and be part of that team . `` How it works with selection and my standing within the team , it 's hard to say this far out . But my passion , my drive is to be there , then fly home and finish -- go to the beach . '' A calf injury ruled Howard out of the Everton lineup for nearly two months before he returned last week in a 1-0 loss at Chelsea . He insisted that talk of relegation -- Everton stands 12th , five points above the drop zone -- was `` nonsense . '' Everton , some would say , overachieved under Roberto Martinez last season in finishing fifth . Talking of managers , Howard has n't forgotten the man who signed him , David Moyes . The Scot did n't last a season when he replaced Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford but is now having success in Spain with Real Sociedad . `` When Alex Ferguson left I think there was a lot of people probably in the media ( licking their ) chops , excited for and looking for the slaughter that was about to come -- that was impending because unless the next manager came in and was absolutely perfect that was what was going to happen , '' said Howard , who moved to Everton from United . `` David Moyes is one hell of a tough character . If anyone can withstand that and brush it off and move on it 's him . `` He has the ability to motivate men like nothing I have ever seen . I have spoken with him since he 's been in Spain . He 's an incredible human being . The way he treats his players is fantastic . ''
Tim Howard intends on ending his club career at Everton . But he is looking forward to returning to the U.S. national team . The former England captain has been in and out of international squads over the last decade, but was called up for a friendly against Mexico back in March 2012. Moyes was axed by Man United in a move that was almost inevitable , said Howard .