Source: Daily_Mail
Jack Rodwell happy to turn down Manchester United and extend stay at Everton
Jack Rodwell admits he was flattered by interest from Manchester United but never had any intention of leaving Everton.[LNB]The 19-year-old has signed a new five-year contract, only 15 months after agreeing his first major deal with the Toffees.[LNB]That will keep him out of the clutches of a number of top Barclays Premier League clubs who were casting admiring glances at the teenager.[LNB] Class act: Rodwell (second right) has penned a long-term deal at Goodison[LNB] But Rodwell, who has been at Everton since he was seven, has alwaysbeen happy at Goodison Park and intends to repay the club's faith inhim.[LNB]'It is a brilliant day for me. I've been at this club a long timeand to sign a new five-year deal is amazing,' said the teenager, whohad a trial with Liverpool aged six only to be told to come back in ayear's time.[LNB]'I went on a trial at Liverpool when I was six and they asked me tocome back a year later but Everton came knocking and I haven't lookedback.[LNB]'I've been with Everton since I was seven and at that age you don't really think about the first team.[LNB]'It is only about 16 when you think you start to realise you mighthave a shot. To play for them is an honour, to get this contract iseven better.[LNB]'I have been happy at this club ever since so when I got offered a five-year contract I was delighted to sign.[LNB]'It is flattering, obviously, because to be linked with clubs likeUnited is an honour but I'm perfectly happy to be here and it is agreat club.[LNB]'I've kept calm and just focused on my football day to day. Itrained hard and played hard and knew everything would take care ofitself.[LNB][LNB] Top prospect: Rodwell celebrates after scoring against Manchester United[LNB]'I've not had major discussions over it (the new contract), it hasnot been an issue. I've just got my head down and played my football.'[LNB]Rodwell made his full Everton debut as a substitute against AZAlkmaar at the age of just 16 years and 284 days in December 2007 tobecome the youngest Everton player to play in Europe, although hisrecord was subsequently beaten by Jake Bidwell last December.[LNB]His Barclays Premier League bow came in March 2008 when he made asubstitute appearance at Sunderland and since then he has developedinto a first-team regular.[LNB]By manager David Moyes' own admission he was forced to play Rodwellmore than he wanted to at the start of this season because of cripplinginjury problems.[LNB]But that had an impact on the youngster as he then became injured and could not get back into the side.[LNB]Having signed his new contract Rodwell is determined to force hisway into the starting line-up for next season and become established inthe first team.[LNB]'I've always had the belief in myself,' added the England Under-21international. 'I'm not surprised [by my progression]. I've done welland although I wouldn't want to put too much pressure on myself thereis a lot more to come.[LNB]'I'm my own player and would like to build my own game naturally as it comes within the next few years as I've got my own style.[LNB]'The main thing now is for me to become a regular and things like goals and assists will be a bonus.'[LNB] Everton starlet Jack Rodwell snubs Manchester United interest and signs new five-year dealMan United, Spurs and Liverpool on alert as Pienaar rejects Everton dealFergie misses out on Rodwell: Everton boy wonder pens new five-year dealMANCHESTER UNITED FC
