Thursday Sep 29 2005 14:27
Joseph Yobo has revealed that a lack of first-team action caused him to consider leaving
Everton.
The Nigerian defender was restricted to just 19 Premiership starts this season as Alan Stubbs and David Weir formed an uncompromising central defensive pairing for the Toffees.
Yobo admitted he found sitting on the bench frustrating, but a run in the starting line-up in the closing stages of the campaign and the prospect of Champions League football next season has convinced him to stay on.
"It has been disappointing not to play more," the former Marseille star told the Liverpool Echo.
"When the season started I expected to give my very best and unfortunately for me, it happens in football, I got injured and someone came in and took my place.
"They did very well and made it difficult for me to get back into the team. I was on the bench for about three months and I got frustrated because I wanted to play.
"There were different things going on in my head at that moment but I have to support the team as well because I knew the direction we were going in.
"Now we have achieved that and I am back in the team, so I am happy. I didn't want to create any negative influence on the team when I wasn't playing and people were suggesting it was time for me to leave.
"It did cross my mind to be honest. I thought about it but because of the way I have been treated here I thought this was the best place for me. I am just happy to be here and I am looking forward to next season.
"That is what I have always wanted, to play in the Champions League is my dream."
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