There’s been a lot of talk surrounding Tom Brady ahead of the 2018 season.

Some have suggested that his already fractured relationship with the New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is getting worse.

Those rumours were fuelled by the fact that he didn’t turn up to any of the teams OTAs, which, he is more than entitled to skip.

Much of the other talk though, has surrounded his retirement.

RETIREMENT RUMOURS

Following the Patriots loss in Super Bowl 52 back in February, some suggested that the 40-year-old wouldn’t even make it back for 2018.

However, those comments were wrong - Brady will play this year. But for how long after that, is anyone’s guess.

REMAINING TIGHT-LIPPED

Up until now, the five-time world champ has been very quiet on his plans - but that all changed on Sunday when he was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey.

She asked Brady when he’s going to call it a day and the QB admitted that it may be sooner, rather than later.

“I think I’m seeing there’s definitely an end coming sooner, rather than later,” he revealed.

“[I'll continue] as long as I’m still loving it, as long as I’m loving the training and the preparation and willing to make the commitment."

Brady also admitted that there are other factors weighing on his career too, including his family life.

“I think what I've alluded to a lot in the ['Tom vs. Time'] docuseries was there are other things happening in my life, too,” he continued.

“I do have kids that I love, and I don’t want to be a dad that’s not there, driving my kids to their games. My kids have brought a great perspective in my life.”

Despite not giving all too much away in that interview, what he posted on Instagram earlier this week may be the biggest indicator yet that he’s going to play for another few years.

TB12’S CRYPTIC MESSAGE

ESPN recently posted a photo of Brady, with a quote from his interview with Winfrey on their Instagram account.

It clearly caught the quarterback’s attention, because he commented on the photo, saying “Cuarenta y cinco” followed by three emojis. 

That, from Spanish, translates to “45”. The emojis he posted were three monkeys, perhaps referencing the old proverb of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”.

The comment then, suggests that Brady wants to play until he’s 45. That’s another five years yet.

But, after what he’s already achieved throughout a stellar career so far, don’t put it past him to follow through on that - and perhaps even win a couple more Super Bowls as well.