Pienaar wants Goodison stay

05 May 2010 11:18

Steven Pienaar is confident the future is bright for Everton - and claims he wants to be part of it.

The South Africa midfielder has been the subject of speculation linking him with other clubs after an outstanding season at Goodison Park. The likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea are all reported to be monitoring the 28-year-old's situation as he enters the final year of his contract.

His excellent form this season earned him the club's player of the year award on Tuesday night and when asked about the future, he said: "Hopefully we can kick on from here to next season and the coming years. We have got the potential. The people behind the club really want it to happen and so do the players."

Prompted on whether he wanted to stay to be part of any future success, he added: "For sure, why not?"

Pienaar, who joined Everton from Borussia Dortmund for £2million three years ago, has scored seven goals in 37 appearances in all competitions this season.

He missed last week's goalless draw at Stoke with a minor ankle injury but expects to be fit for the final game of the season against Portsmouth on Sunday.

Everton know they will finish eighth in the Barclays Premier League - and therefore short of European qualification - whatever the outcome but are satisfied with that position after a terrible start.

The Toffees were 16th with just 15 points after 14 games but have lost just twice in 23 outings since in a powerful statement.

"The whole team has been responsible for our play," Pienaar said

"We have been giving 120% to show the supporters why they have been spending so much money to watch us. They deserve nice football."

Source: PA