Mikel Arteta has reiterated his desire to remain at Everton, ruling out an immediate return to Spain.

The Toffees playmaker has been regularly linked with a return to his homeland this summer, with Atletico Madrid reported to be topping the list of Primera Liga admirers.

However, the 26-year-old insists that his immediate future remains at Goodison Park and he will not be turning his back on David Moyes' men any time soon.

"I always say - and I don't know how many times I have to say - that I'm so happy here and I have no intention to leave," Arteta told the club's official website.

"As I always say, one day I would like to get back to Spain before I end my career - maybe one or two years over there.

"But you never know, at the moment I'm not thinking about leaving because I'm so happy here - and I've been very happy since I joined the club.

"I want to stay here and I'm so happy and proud I am part of this club."

The former Rangers and Real Sociedad midfielder also revealed to a fans' forum that he is hoping to be utilised in a more central role next season.

"Everybody knows I really like to play in the middle but the way we have played in the last few years means I've had to play a little bit wider," he said.

"It doesn't really matter. As long as I get a lot of the ball and I get involved in the game I don't really mind. But I do think my natural position is more in the middle."

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