Just been reading an interview in Holand's biggest footy mag. Seems he finally 'GOT IT' with regards to what playing for Everton really means.
In short and to the best to my ability the translated interview.
Many internationals of the Dutch squad play each year for the top prices with their clubs, not you at Everton though. How much of a bother is that to you?
'Everton has to compete with strictly limited funds with rich clubs like Chelsea and both the Manchester clubs. Knowing that fact, you've got to stay realistic. Getting into Europe is the target, challenging for the Premier League title isn't realistic. I know that and I won't moan about that. I love it at Everton and I'm not saying that to gain popularity, but couldn't be more sincere. It's a very warm family club, with a tremendous football atmosphere around it. That means much to me.'
In the English media, David Moyes is being touted as the most important candidate to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. What kind of manager is he?
'I know the stories yes, but don't think Moyes is the kind of man who would just walk out on Everton. He and the club are strangled together. After Ferguson and Wenger, he is the longest serving manager in the Premier League. It makes perfect sense that Moyes is being targeted by the topclubs. Everton only has a very small transferbudget each year and only a very thin squad. He works wonders within these margins, year in year out. He's a real people's manager, he knows how to reach the players.'
Accept for Royston drenthe: He was terminated from the Everton squad in mid April. What went wrong?
'Royston made it very diffult for himself. Moyes isn't a hard coach to get along with, he had more than enough patience with him. I'm not going into details here, that's something for the respective parties to do, if they feel like it. It's a shame how it all went though. Royston is a very gifted player. I hope he'll be able to find a good club this summer, so he can get the best out of his career. I really wish him the best of luck. I tried to talk with him while he was at Everton, but in the end it has to come from the player itself. I adviced him to focus on the leftbackspot at Oranje. Not at Everton though, because Leighton Baines is without doubt the best leftback I've ever played with. i hope he stays at the club, but understand there's interest from the topclubs. Would've opened a door for Royston Drenthe. Both at Everton and the National team. He has the qualities to be a fast and attacking leftback.'
So, not a word of wanting to get transferred to a bigger club. Seems he's genuine about his feeling for Everton. He finally won me over this season as a football player, now also as an Everton player.
