Everton defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tony-Hibbert-c35447 revealed that he is willing to step up and take a penalty kick in his testimonial against AEK Athens in August- a match arranged to commemorate his 10 years at Goodison Park.
The English International made his debut for the Merseyside club at a tender age of 21 against West Ham United during the 2000/01 season, and won a penalty kick for his team during the game to help his side record a 2-0 win. Since then, he has represented
Everton in 309 games in all competitions, and surprisingly has not scored a single goal during his interminable career.
The testimonial is scheduled to be played on 8th of August, and will also serve as a pre-season preparation for the Toffees.
Anyhow, the 31-year old admitted that given his side is awarded a penalty kick or if the match stretches to a shoot-out, he will be rearing to take the spot kick in order to net his first ever goal for Everton.
He told the club’s official website, “The crowd probably wouldn’t leave the stadium if I didn’t take it so I think I would step forward if we get a penalty.”
The defender conceded that when he joined http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019, he did not envisage such a lengthy career at Goodison Park and was himself surprised on completing his ten years at the club.
He added, “It’s only when I sit down and think about it that I realise that it was such a long time ago… There are a few players recently who have had testimonials but it is becoming rarer that you hear of a player being at a club for that long.”
The last time Everton squared off against the Greek outfit was back in 2008/09 wass in a Europa League, when the Toffees hammered them 4-0 at home and also grabbed a 1-0 away win.
Hibbert indicated that he will savour the memories of both the games for the rest of his life, as it helped them progress into the next round of the European competition.
He added, “It’s nice to play against a team I’ve played before and I hope it’s a good game and a good night.”
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