Angry Johnson slams exit talk
28 Apr 2008 - 08:41:06
Everton striker Andrew Johnson has angrily denied suggestions that he will be leaving the club this summer.
A Sunday newspaper reported that the former Crystal Palace and Birmingham City forward was heading out of Goodison Park and hinted that Johnson had grown disilusioned with life at the club.
However, Johnson told Everton's official website: "I've seen the story in the newspaper and it's absolute rubbish.
"I've recently signed a new deal at Everton, which I was delighted to do. Of course there's 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'm fully prepared to fight for a place in the side like everyone else in the squad and that leaving the club has never even entered my head.
"We've had a great season and I look forward to helping this club progress even more in the next few years."
Meanwhile, Toffees boss David Moyes was relieved to take a point from Sunday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Everton twice took the lead in the second half only to be pegged back each time by an in-form Villa side.
Moyes said after the match: "We could have had a victory, but it's a great point because Aston Villa are playing well.
"We lost on a set-piece so I'm disappointed but pleased with the aptitude of players. Villa are a big side and we knew they would cause problems with their height. We're in an okay position but not commanding.
"We did well in the second half and created chances. I didn't expect so many goals but there seems to be a lot of second-half goals in the Premier League lately."