Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published on Monday that the number of presidential terms must be restricted, but the term itself can be extended, Itar-Tass news agency reported.

"I believe, at any rate for the present-day Russia, five, six or seven years (as one presidential term) is quite acceptable, but the number of terms still must be restricted," Putin was quoted as saying.

There have been appeals for Putin to continue his presidency after his second term ends next March, but the president has repeatedly said he will abide by the constitutional limit of two consecutive terms.

"Four years for Russia maybe is a pattern from the American practice, it was not very popular when the new Constitution was being approved," Putin said.

"I am not speaking about the duration now, may be five or maybe seven years, but four years is of course a rather short time period." the 54-year-old president said.