FOXBORO — Patriots veteran wide receiver Wes Welker said Monday that almost two years removed from reconstructive left knee surgery, he’s in the best shape of his career.

“This is the best I’ve felt in my career,” he said. “I think my knowledge of the game and being able to be healthy, I think it’s really helped.”

Tom Brady‘s favorite receiver since 2007 blew out his knee in the last game of the 2009 regular season in Houston, missing the playoff loss that year against the Ravens. He rehabbed his knee aggressively and made it back in time for the season opener against the Bengals.

“As long as you’re working hard and getting better on a daily basis, there is no telling where the curve is as far as the backside of your career,” he said. “For me, I feel like I’m still in my prime.”

Welker had 86 catches for 848 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010, making the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement to Andre Johnson of the Texans.

Welker is now in the final year of his current contract with the Patriots, a deal that’s paying him $18.1 million over five year, including just $2.15 million this season. He said he hasn’t given any thought to his career with the Patriots past 2011.

“Not really,” he said. “I’m just concentrating on the here and now, and whatever I can do to help the team win this year. That’s where my full concentration is. I’m not really worried about that at all. I’m just worried about going out there and playing ball. I love playing on this team and I enjoy every day I’m out here. I’m going to let my play take care of everything else.”