PHOENIX — Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher disputed a report that he has threatened to retire if the Bears don't reward him with more guaranteed money.

"I never said that I was going to quit," Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune yesterday. "That's just a gossip column. Reports like that is why I choose not to speak to the media."

Urlacher, who is seeking a multi-year contract extension that would pad the nine-year, $57 million contract he signed in 2003, has not attended the Bears' on-going voluntary workouts and said he is unsure if he will attend the team's mandatory mini-camp May 30-June 1 if a new contract agreement is not reached. He also cited the opportunity to spend more time with his children as a reason for staying in Arizona.

He did not express plans to boycott training camp. The Bears, who sit about $16 million below the salary cap, continue to have talks with Urlacher's agents.

"They've offered me a one-year extension," Urlacher said. "My agents are doing a great job for me. I try to stay out of it as much as I can."

Urlacher said he understands the Bears' hesitance to make a bigger commitment is related directly to concerns about his health. He is coming off minor neck surgery in January and continues to battle arthritis in his lower back.

"But in my mind, my neck is rehabbed and back to normal," Urlacher said. "My back is better now than it was at any point last season."

Urlacher turns 30 in May and the eight-year veteran still has a personal goal of playing at least 12 seasons.

"When I first came into the league, I said I wanted to play 10 years," he said. "Now, I think I can play 12 or 13. Then we will reassess.

"I don't want to be an old guy, trying to play with these young guys, who can't keep up anymore. I'll know when it's time for that. But I'm not close to that right now."

Urlacher also defused any trade talk, as the report suggested.

"Everybody knows I want to be in Chicago," he said. "I've said that from Day 1. I can't imagine playing anywhere else. I want to be with my teammates.

"Could I see a scenario where I wouldn't be here? It would be if they traded me. But we all know that's not going to happen."