Heitinga not sure about new contract

Michael Kenrick , 12 October, 14comments | Jump to most recent

Heitinga says he is close to signing a new Everton deal, insisting he is happy with life at Goodison Park and believes David Moyes's side can secure European football for next season after a strong start to the new campaign.

Johnny Heitinga has less than two years remaining on his current deal and has struggled to get a regular place in the team this season, but the Dutchman insists he is happy to remain with David Moyes's side.

"There is a big chance that I sign a new contract at Everton, but I'm not sure yet," Heitinga told Goal.com.

"I just had a new contract proposal. The deal is not done yet. But I really love it at Everton. Everton is a beautiful club with great fans."

"In the English league it's not obvious that you qualify for European football. Every time we are very close. Right now we do have the squad to reach the Europa League. We're in the fourth position now," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to play European football again. I was used to that at Ajax and Atletico, in the Champions League. I want to reach the highest possible. I want to qualify for European football with Everton. With this squad we deserve that.

"There's only a big difference between earning something and getting it. I think the club is craving for European football. Only if you look at the enthusiasm at the fans during the semi final of the FA Cup last season.

"The group is ready for it. There were not much changes in the group and we grown. We only have one of the smallest selections in the Premier League. We can't handle to many setbacks. Then it would be difficult."

Heitinga admits he would like to finish career with Ajax, the club who he started with but the defender is unsure whether a move will materialise.

"When? I don't have a clue. There's just one club I want to play for in Holland - Ajax," he said.

"Something else is excluded. By that time, both parties must see what we can do for each other."

Quotes or other material sourced from Goal.com

Reader Comments (14)

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Edward Simpson
1 Posted 12/10/2012 at 17:03:39

Title is a bit misleading after the quotes from the man himself.

Michael Kenrick
2 Posted 12/10/2012 at 17:08:07

Edward, try reading this sentence slowly:

"There is a big chance that I sign a new contract at Everton, but I'm not sure yet," Heitinga told Goal.com.

I've helped you out: it's the bit at the end, in bold. One of the quotes from the man himself.

Terry Downes
4 Posted 12/10/2012 at 17:38:55

Sell him and bring Samba in.

Mark Tanton
5 Posted 12/10/2012 at 17:53:18

I think he might leave, funding a central midfielder in January.

Michael Betschart
6 Posted 12/10/2012 at 18:08:03

Well, he is also talking about getting into European positions, so he might want to leave if we don't get into these positions...

Nick Entwistle
7 Posted 12/10/2012 at 18:47:30

He won't sign, not until either Moyes does, or he knows who the next manager is to be. The right way to play it.

Ian Bennett
8 Posted 12/10/2012 at 20:28:51

Not sure who you would sign as a replacement and he was Player of the Season last year.

However, is nearly 29, lacks pace, lacks height, can't play with Jags, has the turning circle the size of an oil tanker, think he's better than he is, and is on massive money. Perhaps Bayern will come in for him...

Trevor Lynes
9 Posted 12/10/2012 at 22:09:36

I tend to agree with Ian (#274), but I don't see any other club showing interest in signing him.

He will definitely sign any contract he is offered as his alternatives are limited.

Ste Blundell
10 Posted 13/10/2012 at 11:54:04

It is a misleading headline Michael, it could equally have been "Heitinga only wants to play for Ajax"

Try reading this paraphrased sentence slowly:

"When? I don't have a clue. There's just one club I want to play for… Ajax," he said.

Or maybe "Heitinga unhappy with the size of Moyes' Everton squad."

"We only have one of the smallest selections in the Premier League. We can't handle too many setbacks."

I could go on.

John Malone
11 Posted 13/10/2012 at 15:50:42

Tell him to take the lead out of his boots, start tackling properly, jump a bit higher and he can stay, if not thanks for the spirit, Johnny, but that just doesn't cut it in the Prem!

Ian Bennett
12 Posted 13/10/2012 at 19:36:52

Trev - the Turks will always want him. Just make sure you get the cash in the till before he leaves.

Sam Hoare
13 Posted 13/10/2012 at 20:09:30

Been pretty ropey this season so far... Does his contract run out in the summer in which case we would surely not be able to get much for him in January.

Personally I think we could do with a younger Sylvain Distin type to partner Jags. Someone fast, strong and good in the air. Trouble is they don't come cheap.

Ian Bennett
14 Posted 13/10/2012 at 20:22:07

Sam - his contract finishes in 2014, I think it's just Neville, Distin and Mucha out of contract in the summer.

Bob Willis
15 Posted 14/10/2012 at 19:37:45

Johnny certainly was my Player of the Year (last season) BUT I was very disappointed with his performance in the Euros and, for all intents and purposes, he has pissed on his chips.

Still a good player... but, with the NEW team, he is being found out methinks... ??

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