Everton FC

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

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Arteta hopes for big season

07 Jul 2008 - 16:42:31

Click To Enlarge

Midfielder Mikel Arteta is hopeful of a 'big season' at Everton following his return from groin surgery.

The Spanish schemer missed the closing month of the last campaign after an existing injury problem worsened and required surgery.

But after a summer of rehabilitation, the former Rangers and Real Sociadad star is hoping he can play a more significant role as the Toffees look to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish in the Premier League.

"Gradually the groin got worse and the pain was bigger," he told evertonTV.

"I did everything I could not to miss as many games as other players with the same injury have in the past. But, in the end, we thought the best way to resolve the problem was surgery.

"I've been doing rehab all summer so, fingers crossed, I'm going to feel much better.

"It was tough - all the hours I had to spend on treatment and on different exercises instead of training outside affects your confidence.

"You lose that sharpness and every time you want to kick the ball and do something special you are very limited.

"I had to get used to expecting the pain all the time. The only thing I'm asking now is not to have the pain because I know if that I have a lot to offer.

"Hopefully this season is going to be a big one."