Source: Liverpool_Echo
Steven Pienaar delays Everton FC decision until after World Cup
Steven Pienaar [LNB]STEVEN PIENAAR will wait until after the World Cup to decide on his Everton future.[LNB]The midfielder has previously said he wanted to resolve contract negotiations with the club before the tournament, but will now wait until it is over.[LNB]Pienaar, 28, also insisted that he wants to extend his stay on Merseyside, despite speculation linking him to several high-profile clubs.[LNB]He said: 'I've made it clear before that I want to stay at Everton. We will just have to wait and I made it clear to the manager also that we will talk after the World Cup.[LNB]'The rumours have been going on for a while, but it's just stuff in the newspapers.[LNB]'To be honest, it is a bit distracting because I'm still an Everton player at the end of the day. I want to be more like a normal human being, walk about in town and I don't want people to shout stuff at me like 'you have to stay, you don't have to do this'.[LNB]'It's just a lot of rumours, but it is also flattering at the same time because it is big clubs.'[LNB]The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has starred for the Toffees this season, scoring seven goals in 37 games.[LNB]He added: 'If God wants me to come back after the World Cup healthy and happy then I'll be here.[LNB]'I want to go to the World Cup with my mind fresh and because it's going to be another task for me. It's my country I'm representing.'[LNB]Pienaar, who has played 54 games for the Toffees, initially arrived on loan in 2007 from the German and was signed on a permanent basis for £2m, following his successful short-term stint, on a three-year contract in 2008.[LNB]Meanwhile, Tim Howard believes Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's end of season wonder strike is just the tip of the iceberg.[LNB]The Everton goalkeeper is convinced that Bilyaletdinov has the ability to shine in his second full Premier League season, just like Marouane Fellaini.
