Roberto Martinez says Everton “icon” Leighton Baines has a key role to play in a big season for the club.
Manchester United have already failed with one bid for the England left-back this summer as David Moyes targets a reunion with his former player.
And Moyes’ Goodison Park successor has made it clear he does not want to lose the 28-year-old.
“I think Leighton is more than a player, he is an icon,” Martinez told the Everton website.
“He represents a lot about our football club and I am really, really excited about Leighton. This is a big season for him and for us as a club.
“When you are the left-back of this football club, and the level that he has been reaching over the last few years consistently, it shows me that he is the best left-back in the country. I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Like what RM has done in making these comments about Baines. It reassures the player about his status with the new management whilst sending a clear signal to Manure that to buy an icon you’ll have to pay top dollar and blocks BK from caving in and selling cheap. Now Moyes was never this canny.
Or does it put the pressure on the player so if he leaves the spin is there to say it was his fault?