Posted by By Colin Udoh for KICK OFF on
Super Eagles and Everton defender, Joseph Yobo has exclusively told only KICK OFF that he will sign a new four-year extension to his contract with the club this week.
Super Eagles and Everton defender, Joseph Yobo has exclusively told only KICK OFF that he will sign a new four-year extension to his contract with the club this week.
"I can confirm to you that I am going to sign a new contract with Everton," Yobo confirmed on Sunday night, shortly before flying out to England.
Yobo's future with the Toffees was in doubt for most of last season, but the big defender told KICK OFF that he made the decision long before the end of the last campaign.
"I just did not want to rush into making any public statements. I wanted to focus on my football and do well for Everton. But I had already made up my mind to stay long before the season ended," Yobo stated.
He attributed the delay in his signing the new deal to "certain little bits that had to be sorted out."
"It really wasnaat all about money. I just wanted certain commitments from the club. Everton are a big club and we should reasonably be challenging for a place in Europe every season. I see now that the club also shares those ambitions and some quality players are coming in and that is very important."
Yobo added that the backing of the fans and the respect of the manager and his team mates was a key factor in his decision.
"Everybody here has been great, from the chairman, the manager to the fans. It was hard for me to think about leaving, even though the thought crossed my mind. But I am happy here and if all goes well, I intend to see out my career here.
"By the time this contract ends, I will be 30 and at the peak of my game. Hopefully, I can prove to the fans and the manager how much I love this football club."
By Colin Udoh