Jarrad Branthwaite has pledged his long-term future to Everton by signing a new five-year contract.
His new deal is a significant boost for the Blues as they look ahead to a new era, both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to evertontv after putting pen to paper, Branthwaite said:
“I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.”
The 23-year-old was full of praise for the Club’s support and the direction under the new manager and ownership, stating:
“The trust the Club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.”
“I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them.”
Branthwaite also spoke of his excitement surrounding Everton’s move to their new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium and the ambitions for the future:
“Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”
“I’ve been at Everton for five-and-a-half years now and I’ve seen the change the Club’s had over the past six months. It’s very exciting for us as a team, as players, to have that going on in the background and obviously to be starting the new season at the new stadium.”
On the influence of Everton’s manager, Branthwaite added:
“The ambition was a huge thing. The way the manager wants us to go as a team and what he wants us to do for next season and where he wants us to challenge for has had a big impact on the decision. I think you saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do.”
“The manager has been really good, not only for me but for the group. You saw the change in results, the change in mood since he came in. He drives the demands every day to be better.”
