Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Arteta aims to stay put

19 Nov 2006 - 15:51:53

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Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has denied rumours that he is looking to quit Goodison Park and return to his native Spain.

The 25-year-old scored the winner as the Toffees defeated Bolton Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday before issuing the denial that he is keen to return to his homeland.

Instead, Arteta is hoping his impressive strike against the Trotters will put him in the frame for a call-up to the national side.

"Maybe the goal will be shown on Spanish television, maybe people will notice," he said.

"But I want to make one thing clear because I have been reading some things I was supposed to have said that I will have to move from Everton to get into the Spanish squad.

"I wasn't happy with that, very angry because I did not say it. I want to stay here, I had the chance in the summer to leave but I am more than pleased to be here.

"If I cannot get into the Spanish squad it is because there are better players than me, or the manager likes other players, but never because I am here playing for Everton.

"You need to be happy every day in your work, and I am happy here. That is more important than anything else. I want to be at Everton."