Source: PA
Moyes relieved to keep Toffees stuck together
David Moyes says he had "realistic fears" Mikel Arteta would leave Everton in the summer.
Instead the Spanish playmaker - linked with Arsenal and Manchester City - followed Tim Cahill by pledging his long-term future to the club.
Both players have been influential figures at Goodison Park, where money remains tight.
Moyes said: "Mikel is so important to us. He proved that when he came back last year from injury.
"I did not want to lose him and had no intention of selling him. But I had realistic fears he might go elsewhere, although not back to Spain.
"We try to do our best for the players and the chairman (Bill Kenwright) did well to convince him to stay with Everton."
