Re: AN EVERTON VIEW
a.j laughs of speculation: Again.
EVERTON striker Andrew Johnson has dismissed reports over the weekend that suggested he was poised to leave Goodison Park in the summer.
The forward, who was signed for £8.6million from Crystal Palace two years ago, started yesterday’s 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Aston Villa at Goodison Park .
He insisted he was not moving as Everton remained on course to finish fifth and qualify for the UEFA Cup.
“I have seen the story in the newspaper and it’s absolute rubbish,” said Johnson.
“I have recently signed a new 5 year deal at Everton, which I was delighted to do. Of course there is competition for striking places here but I wouldn’t have it any other way and neither would the manager. Stories like this make me really angry and I can only promise the fans that I love being at Everton, I am fully prepared to fight for a place in the side like everyone else in the squad and that leaving the club is not an option or thought in my head.
“We’ve had a great season and I look forward to helping this club progress even more in the next few years.”
Everton manager David Moyes is confident Lee Carsley will also be at the club next season.
The 34-year-old, who was Everton’s man of the match against Villa, is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a return to Derby County.
But Moyes said: “Lee has told us he wants to sign a new contract here and we expect that to happen. He has been very reliable for us – and we don’t want to lose that. I want to keep that strong backbone at the club.”