Anichebe: My future is at Everton
Posted: 2009-02-09 10:22
Victor Anichebe insists that his future remains at Everton in spite of a widely-reported bust-up with manager David Moyes last week.
Anichebe's Everton future had been cast in doubt after the incident, as he was left out of the FA Cup replay against Liverpool, and again in the 3-0 drubbing of Bolton on Saturday, but the forward told KickOffNigeria.com exclusively that he intends to stay at the club.
"I am contracted to Everton. I have been here for 10 years and as far as I know the manager and the coaching staff are really happy with me. I still have time to learn," he said.
Speaking to KickOffNigeria.com exclusively and frankly about the incident, the 20-year-old Nigerian striker maintained that he did not use foul language on the Everton boss.
"I can safely say I did not swear towards the manager. He is the boss of the team I play for and you have to respect that," Anichebe said.
"He is also my elder and that is something else you have to respect. I also did not have any argument at all with assistant manager Steve Round.
"Me and him are friends and he is also my coach, so there would be no reason to argue with him. The funny thing is I did not even see him on the day anything was supposed to happen.
"And in regards to getting ordered and escorted out of Finch Farm, that is complete and utter nonsense as well.
"All I can say about what has been said over the last few days is that it has totally been taken out of context and been blown completely out of proportion.
"I am actually upset and embarrassed about how it has been perceived. It has just all been a misunderstanding and I can safely say the matter has been resolved and that is all that matters."
The incident was said to have been sparked off by Moyes' refusal to sanction a loan move to Hull City for the forward, and Anichebe admitted that there had been interest.
"The main thing is that the issue is no longer relevant. Yes, there was interest from Hull City. They wanted to take me on loan until the end of the season which would have been a great opportunity to go out and play on a regular basis, get my match fitness and to even boost my self confidence.
"But understandably, the move could not be sanctioned considering the role I play here and considering the size of squad we have here taking note of the injuries."
The rest of the interview
KON: Does it bother you tht you have been playing on the right rather than centre forward?
Anichebe: I enjoy playing out on the right, it does not bother me. The manager has asked me to play there a few times and I have done really well there.
Probably some of my best games this season have come from there so there is no issue with me not wanting to play there. You play for the team not yourself so if you are asked to play in a position; you play there and do your best. As long as you try your best no one can question you.
Do you feel like you should be starting games?
Of course I want to be starting games. That is what football is about but I am still only 20 years of age, that is what some people forget. I am still learning everyday and I have been here for 10 years.
Everton have helped me get to where I am today and I have the utmost respect for them and everyone associated with the club.
I would even go as far as calling it my home as I have been here so long. From the day I signed at the young age of 10 to the day I made my debut about 3 years ago against Chelsea until today, the fans, the manager, the players and everyone associated with the club have been good towards me and only want what is best for me so I owe them a lot.
Do you think this incident has caused a problem within the club?
I don’t think this has caused any problems within the team. We are all very close and I think you can see that whenever we play.
Against Liverpool you could see everyone fighting for one another just like in every game.
Before the Liverpool game I even sent everyone a text wishing them the best of luck before the game and well done after the game.
You must have been disappointed not play against Liverpool?
Obviously, I would have loved to play in the game. It was a great night and a great victory for the team and it would have been good to take part in it but the main thing is the team were victorious.
I am especially happy my friend Dan Gosling scored the winning goal as well. He is also young like me, and its good when the young players do well!
I also sent him a text after the game congratulating him and telling him to "live the moment". It’s a huge achievement for him and the club.
The results we had over the 3 games against Liverpool were great. Two draws and one win.
It has given us all great belief and self confidence. I played in the first two and did really well, especially in the first game but I worked hard for the team in the second game so it was good to see the team finish it off.
And what is your focus for the rest of the season?
My focus for the rest of the season is to stay fit and keep working hard in training, get this matter behind me and continue to look forward.
I have learn't not to regret anything. You should learn from anything that happens in life.
Never look to the past, look to the future. You can determine the future but you can not change the past so there is no need in worrying about what has happened in the past, you need to prepare for what will happen next.
Interview by Colin Udoh Save & Share
Fuuckin press gang they are. Mountain out of a mole hill
