Premier League - Pienaar denies Atletico reports

Eurosport - Mon, 08 Jun 15:51:00 2009

Midfielder Steven Pienaar has insisted he wants to stay at Everton despite reports linking him with a move to Atletico Madrid.

2008-2009 Premier League Sunderland-Everton Steven Pienaar - 0

Pienaar impressed as Everton finished fifth in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final, where they lost to Chelsea.

The South African was then reported to be on Atletico's wish-list after the Spanish side qualified for the Champions League.

But, despite wanting to play in Europe's premier club competition, the former Ajax and Dortmund player is happy at Goodison Park.

"It is true that I only have two years remaining on my contract," Pienaar told KickOff.

"It has been a happy two years at the club so far and I am delighted to have played a small part in the success we have achieved in finishing fifth in consecutive seasons and reaching the FA Cup final.

"But you never know in football what tomorrow will bring. Who knows in one or two years' time where I will be? I am a proud Everton player at present and would welcome it if the club moved to secure my long-term future, but that kind of thing is out of my hands."

Pienaar did, however, admit that he would be interested in playing in La Liga, pointing to the experiences of two former Ajax team-mates now at Real Madrid.

"I enjoyed playing in the Champions League with Ajax and have been really pleased when I see how my ex-teammates like Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart have gone on to excel in Spain," he added.

"But at this time I can only reiterate that any speculation regarding my future is exactly that."

Reda Maher / Eurosport

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  1. Moyes wont sell Piennar, no matter the price tag, he­ shone after we lost Arteta to injury and it would an­ almighty shame if he does. He came into own and is a­ worker, PEINNAR IS A BLUE AND WE SHOULD KEEP HIM!!!!

    From helenbartley310, on Tue 9 Jun 10:52AM

  2. forget if the money is right. pienaar is going nowhere

    From STEPHEN, on Mon 8 Jun 8:54PM

  3. downin is nothin he proved that with his lack of effort­ helpin borough stay up if you would rather downin than­ piennar you must be brain of argentina not britain

    From Jimmyrice man u are champs again, on Mon 8 Jun 8:27PM

  4. if the money is right i can see moyes selling although­ undoubtedly piennar was (eventually)one of evertons­ most effective players and worked well with baines i do­ feel there is better out there.Downing would be ideal­ signing young english good delivery and a dead ball­ specialist and we all know moyes can bring the best out­ of young players.I would also like to see moyes­ strengthen the right side to help balance it out­ perhaps enquire about bentley who seems to have­ dissapeared and glenn jonson or maybe lower leagues­ players like Brunt,Ledley&steven taylor whatever­ happens im sure david moyes will get it right­ again(frgiven 4 kroldrup) coyb!!!!!!!efc1878 the­ peoples club FACT!!!

    From BRAINofBRITAIN, on Mon 8 Jun 2:52PM
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