James: I'll never quit England

The goalkeeper, who turns 40 on Monday, has signed a one-year deal at Ashton Gate, with the option of a second year.

He would love his new club to be playing in the top flight in that second year, and for that reason his Premier League career may not yet be over.

Whether England manager Fabio Capello will now consider picking James, given he will be playing second-tier football, is an issue the Italian will need to address.

"I don't know what the future holds, and it was the same before the World Cup to be honest," James told www.bcfc.co.uk.

"I enjoyed the World Cup to an extent but obviously the results and the outcome were disappointing.

"I'll never retire from England and hopefully my performances at Bristol City will keep me on the radar."

James was wanted by clubs including Celtic and Sunderland, and also linked with Fulham, but opted for a switch to the npower Championship.

"I've had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football - which I love - for the right club and be a family man," said James.

"I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown [on Thursday] and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League.

"The club is ambitious and that's what I am. The south-west has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change."

Bristol City have not played in the highest division for 30 years, so the challenge is a daunting one, however James has not taken his decision lightly.

Capped 53 times by England, including three appearances at this summer's World Cup, James lives in the west country in Exeter and clearly has revised priorities as he approaches the end of his career.

He will be paraded at Ashton Gate today prior to City's pre-season friendly against Blackpool.

Lansdown was delighted to bring in James and believes the veteran, who was relegated from the Premier League with Portsmouth last season, fits the bill for the standard of player City are looking to attract.

Lansdown said: "I'm delighted David James has agreed to sign. My ambition is for this football club to play at the highest level - the Premier League - and in the best surroundings, hence the work on the training ground and new stadium.

"We need good quality players to make that happen and that's why I'm thrilled that David has agreed to come on board."