TAMPA — Forty-three saves away from setting baseball’s all-time record, Yankees closer Marino Rivera hasn’t made room for the achievement in his mind.

“I really don’t care about that, if it happens it happens, if not, it’s OK,’’ Rivera told The Post on Thursday when he surfaced at George M. Steinbrenner Field after missing the first two days of camp due to the flu invading his New York home. “It wouldn’t make me better or less.’’

Based on recent save totals, Rivera will need the second season of the two-year, $30 million deal he signed this offseason to pass Trevor Hoffman.

Rivera, 41, opens the season with 559 saves. Hoffman retired this winter with 601.

Once in the previous six seasons — 2009 when he posted 44 saves — has Rivera topped 43. During those six years he averaged 37.2 saves. Last season he saved 33.

“I have a lot of respect for Hoffman,’’ Rivera said. “He showed the game a lot of respect.’’

Rivera said he wasn’t surprised longtime teammate Andy Pettitte retired when it was obvious he still had the talent to win.

“If you don’t feel it in yourself anymore, why do it?’’ Rivera said. “I respect him.’’

Rivera said he will know when it’s time for him to leave.

“If you lose the passion, you recognize it’s time to go,’’ Rivera said.

Rivera needed to check with pitching coach Larry Rothschild before learning what his program will be.

According to Rivera, leaving home becomes more difficult each year.

“It’s hard, my little one (8-year-old Jaziel) was attached to my hip and crying,’’ Rivera said. “A lot of people don’t see that part of the game.’’