Mikel Arteta has handed Everton a major boost by signing a new long-term deal.
Midfielder Arteta has penned a five-year contract with the Toffees to put an end to speculation over his future, with the Spaniard having been linked with both Arsenal and Real Madrid during the summer months.
The 28-year-old told the club’s official website: “What this summer has made me realise is how important I am to the club and how important the club is to me.
“The chairman and the manager wanted me to stay 120% and that makes me feel proud. We are all seeing the club and the future in the same way and that is special – something that you don’t always find.
“I believe in this squad. We have got a strong squad now and it is getting difficult to pick an 11 because of the players we have. Something is happening here and I want to be part of it.”
And chairman Bill Kenwright could not contain his delight at Arteta’s decision.
He added: “Mikel Arteta is one of the finest players ever to wear an Everton shirt and over the past few weeks his pride in wearing that shirt has helped our conversations hugely.
“Alongside several others in the squad we are both passionate Evertonians.”