Everton’ assistant manager, Steve Round said that he expected a warm reception for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mikel-Arteta-c25715 as Arsenal visit Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Arteta submitted a transfer request at the closing stages of the summer transfer window and the player’s urge to move to the Emirates, might still be in the minds of some of the Everton fans. However, the player is expected not to be booed or abused as he
takes on his former club in a Premier League match.
“I really can't wait to go there, and I hope I'll get a good reception because I gave Everton everything I had in my time there and I love the club.” He said.
The Spanish International, who turns 30 on the 26th of March, played for a period of six and a half years for Everton, before opting to leave for Arsenal in August, 2011. He arrived at the Merseyside club from Real Sociedad in 200. During his
stay with the Toffees, the midfielder made 208 appearances for the club and scored 33 goals during this period.
Since his move to Arsenal, he has scored 4 goals and picked up 3 assists.
The Spanish player said that he still has a lot of respect for his former club and admitted that returning to Goodison Park in opposite colours will be a strange feeling. However, the player said that he would look to enjoy this experience.
“It’s going to be weird to sit in the other changing room, warming up in the opposite half of the pitch and having the crowd against us. I just want to enjoy it.” He said.
Round said that the player was a big favourite at Goodison Park during his stint with the club because of his creative and style of play. He expressed his hope that a long time servant of Everton football will get the respect from the fans that he truly
deserves.
“He was a tremendous player for us. His attitude when he played for Everton was never in question, his ability was second to none and I think the Everton fans respect that.” He said.
He also mentioned that Arteta had big boots to fill after Cesc Fabregas left Arsenal for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604, but believes that the player has lifted himself for the challenge. He further added that Arteta’s decision was the next step for him in his career and that
the Everton respected his decision.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 will go into the match against the Toffees at the back of a five match winning streak. The gunners are currently fourth in the league table and are only one point behind third placed Tottenham Hotspur.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 on the other hand, have only lost one match in the last two months and are currently tenth in the Premier League table.
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