Baines delighted to agree deal at a fantastic football club
Leighton Baines has declared his delight at signing a new deal with Everton Football Club.
The England left-back has put pen to paper on a new 4 year contract, reportedly worth around £75,000 per week and has said that he couldn’t be happier. His manager Roberto Martinez has also been full of praise for the Everton defender.
“I am delighted to have agreed the new deal,” Baines told evertonfc.com. “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 has been the subject of transfer speculation ever since former manager David Moyes was announced as the new Manchester United manager and bids were rejected in the summer, but Baines said he is now just happy to get on with his day job.
“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.”
Speaking about the new found enthusiasm to win things, Baines has said that the boys are ready to fight on all fronts and they are ambitious to bring success back to the 4th most successful club in England.
“There is a really confident buzz about the place just now and that’s being reflected in our performances,” Baines added.
“We’re well-placed in the Premier League, we’re in the fifth round of the FA Cup and although we’ve got a few injuries, we feel as though we are ready for every challenge.
“The ambition is to bring some success to the club. That’s what all the lads want and that’s what we’re all working together for. The Everton fans deserve success and I am just happy to be in the privileged position of being able to try and provide some for them.”
How happy are you that Leighton has signed a new deal? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com