Tuesday, 28th January, 2014
Everton left-back Leighton Baines has expressed his delight after signing a new long-term contract with the club.
The England international, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, penned a new four-year deal at Goodison Park.
mobile ad
And Baines explained that he is extremely happy after securing his long-term future with the Toffees and that he is excited about scaling new heights with the Merseyside club in the coming years.
“I am delighted to have agreed the new deal”, the defender told his club’s official site.
relatedNewsStory
“I am very happy at Everton and always have been. It’s a fantastic football club and I am excited about what we can achieve here in the next few years.
“I have a great relationship with the chairman and also the manager, the staff, the rest of the lads and, of course, the supporters.
“I’ve loved every minute of being here since I first joined in 2007 and I couldn’t be happier.”
Baines, whose previous deal was set to run out in 2015, further insisted that the speculation surrounding his future at Goodison Park never came in the way of his performances in an Everton Shirt.
“Was it a distraction? Not for me, no”, he continued.
“I am a professional footballer and speculation is part and parcel of the industry we are in but it never affected me for a moment on the pitch.
“Of course it was on my mind at times away from pitch because I was getting asked about it everywhere I went but I hope the supporters could see that I didn’t let it affect me at all once I crossed the white line.
“I’ve never been one to relish the limelight so I suppose I’m glad that the speculation will go away now.”
Baines, who joined Everton from Wigan Athletic in 2007, has thus far made 263 appearances in all competitions for the club, netting 25 times.
The 29-year-old also has 22 caps and a solitary goal for England to his name.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
