Spanish star shows there is still a bit of loyalty in football

Yesterday Everton’s star midfielder Mikel Arteta committed his future to the club.

There have been doubts over the 28 year-olds future with speculation linking him with Arsenal, Manchester City and even Barcelona.

However he has decided to stay where he feels he is best, Everton.

Important

The Spaniard told Everton’s official website: “What this summer has made me realise is how important I am to the Club and how important the Club is to me.

“The Chairman and the manager wanted me to stay 120 per cent and that makes me feel proud. We are all seeing the Club and the future in the same way and that is special – something that you don’t always find.

That statement sums up the special relationship he has with the club and the fans. Arteta is one of the most technically gifted players to ever pull on a blue shirt and everybody at the club knows it. He also loves the club and that’s rare in these days of mercenary footballers.

Grateful

Mikel Arteta has been injury-prone in recent years but Everton have stuck by him through thick and thin. Arteta feels he owes the manager and the fans for their love and patience. He has admitted in the past that he is grateful to David Moyes for helping develop him into a top talent.

Faith

Arteta has committed his future to the club because he has faith in his boss and his teammates. Everton now have a strong squad full of international players. More importantly this season most of the key players will be fit.

Last season the squad was plagued by injuries and most of those injuries were to key players such as Arteta and defender Phil Jagielka. However this season every single key player will start the season in top shape, despite the World Cup.

Key

Mikel Arteta is key to David Moyes’ side’s success this season. A place in the top four of the Premier League this season is not beyond the Toffee’s. Nobody seems to mention Everton in discussions about Champions League spots this season. That’s the way Everton like it though.

Form

After an awful start last season due to major injury problems, Everton lost just twice in the last 24 games. That record included victories over Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. Pre-season form has been good and Everton will go into the season on a high.

National Team

Arteta is hoping to break into the Spanish international side but has yet to win an international cap. Before his injury last season he was set to be called up to le Seleccion. It will be difficult for Arteta to break into the Spanish squad but if he plays to the best of his ability he has a chance of making future squads.

Follow Follow Follow!

Like most Evertonians I am delighted that Mikel Arteta is staying at Goodison. The news that he was staying with the Blues was better than any big money signing.

I would just like to send out a message to Mikel thank you for showing us that not all footballers are money-grabbing mercenaries. You are without doubt the Best Little Spaniard us Evertonians know!