FORT MYERS, Fla. — Catcher Jason Varitek says that despite difficult offseason negotiations with the Red Sox, he hopes to end his career in Boston.

In his first comments since re-signing earlier this month, Varitek said Saturday he was "ecstatic" to be with Boston.

Varitek has been captain of the Red Sox since 2005. On Feb. 6, he agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with an option for 2010.

Varitek and his agent, Scott Boras, turned down an arbitration offer from the team earlier this winter that would have paid him more.

But the 36-year-old Varitek found few bidders after coming off a poor offensive season, when he batted just .220.

The team re-signed Varitek after he and Boras met with Red Sox owner John Henry.

Varitek said Saturday he felt he needed to be personally involved.