Mirallas wants Champions League football next season

, 5 February, 168comments  |  Jump to most recent

Kevin Mirallas says that he dreams of playing in the Champions League next season and admits he feels ready for a new challenge after three years at Goodison Park.

The Belgian, who has 17 months left on his existing contract — although Everton have the option of extending it by another year — has put off making any decision over his future until the summer, a tacit indication that he will wait until he knows whether the Blues will be back in Europe in 2015-16.

Media speculation linked him with a move to Tottenham during last month's transfer window but while there were inquiries for his services, Mirallas says, "January isn't the ideal month for a transfer.

“I have never said I absolutely want to leave Everton," he continues. "I like it over here, but I feel ready for a new challenge.

“I dream of playing in the Champions League next season. With Everton or with another club. I just have to see after the season.”

The 27 year-old has made no secret of his desire of playing Champions League football again and his latest comments are the clearest indication so far that he feels the time is right would be to move on if he can't achieve his aims with the Blues.

“Don't forget: the 2015 Europa League winners will qualify for the following season's Champions League," Mirallas says. "I'll make a decision after the season. I like the Premier League, but Spain also tempts me. Atlético Madrid have inquired, but there was no offer.”

Naturally, his current boss, Roberto Martinez, has played down the media speculation and expressed his admiration for the talented forward.

“Kevin is in a long term contract,” the manager said. “We know that in the media that whenever someone is doing a good job they always try and move him away quickly and make some headlines.

“He is a player I have a special affection for. I love the way he understands the game, I love the star quality that he has and I am looking for many, many good memories with Everton.”

Quotes sourced from The Guardian



Reader Comments (168)

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Will Firstbrook
1 Posted 05/02/2015 at 16:59:42
Cue the onslaught.

DonÂ’t begrudge him wanting CL. DonÂ’t players of any ambition want the same? HeÂ’s in the prime of his career and if our Board canÂ’t/wonÂ’t provide the investment to make it a reality, then we can look forward to this scenario playing out again and again.

Though if he does go, I would prefer to see him moving out of the league. Cash in and move on. The Everton way.

Brian Hill
2 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:06:43
At his age, if he was good enough to be playing for a regular "Champions League" competitor, then he would be.
Bill Gall
4 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:12:39
If he believes he is championship quality, Everton better put a hefty transfer fee for him,and play hard ball with any suiters instead of being Mr nice guys.
Clive Mitchell
5 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:16:02
So if youÂ’re RM, do you play him Saturday? I guess you look into those crazy eyes and try to fathom which Mirallas is walking over the white line this time.
Ray Roche
6 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:25:02
You canÂ’t blame him. At his age now he wonÂ’t have many chances at CL football, and heÂ’s not an Evertonian like we are. Everton are his employers nothing more,nothing less,and, no matter how much he has enjoyed his spell here or wherever, if he wants something else let him try for it, just make sure we get the most money that we cam for him.
Keith Meakin
7 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:22:53
I hate the way all players say I want to move to a Champions League club, and then say I absolutly love this club, best club IÂ’ve ever played for then they move to a new club and first goal itÂ’s kiss the bagde I love this club. Just get the best out of him this season then sell to the highest bidder.
Players come & go Everton will be here Forever.
Michael Winstanley
8 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:22:03
Better win the Europa League then Kev.
Keith Meakin
9 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:32:58
Kev penalty wins Europa League.
Tony Draper
10 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:19:44
Dear Mr Mirallas,

From your recent comments I note that you wish to play for a side involved in the Eufa Champions League. Can I just say how absolutely delighted that I am to read this ?

Such ambition in an Everton player really makes my spine tingle. For so long now I have witnessed players who seem to accept that itÂ’s OK for our fine club to aspire to being "the best of the rest", now, finally a player who sees beyond that limited horizon. Congratulations, and thank you !

IÂ’m so looking forward to your fully committed, wholehearted, dashing performances of the highest quality and feel certain that your continual, tireless, and stylish contribution to driving Everton ahead in achieving our dearly held mutual ambition can only cement you in Evertonian hearts as a true Blue Legend.

Again, thank you for stating your clear eyed ambition so concisely.

What a refreshing change from the all too frequent, over paid, underperforming (albeit very talented), inconsistent, money grabbing mercenaries who seem to infest so many top quality EPL Clubs (such as our beloved Everton). I can look forward to the derby match now with a positivity which I can not recall feeling in many many years.

Again, thank you, your attitude is so refreshing in this cynical age.

Yours, sincerely
Tony

James Brand
11 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:36:07
"Atheletico have inquired" - how does he know? Usual tapping up!

HeÂ’s a good player but I donÂ’t think heÂ’s as good as he thinks he is. HeÂ’ll certainly get a game at a club in the Champs league but probably not in England.

Get some good money for him.

Simon George
12 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:41:23
If we could get a Â’champions league feeÂ’ for him then great, sell him and get someone else in. The problem is I really donÂ’t think heÂ’s good enough. HeÂ’s not consistent enough to be a gauranteed premier league player let alone champions league.

Good player, all the ability in the world, just cant be bothered half the time and not proffesional enough.

Mike Green
14 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:39:22
“I have never said I absolutely want to leave Everton," he continues. "I like it over here, but I feel ready for a new challenge."

Do you know what Kev Â’oops, there goes my hamstring againÂ’, why donÂ’t you just fuck off now?

Get rid.

Gary Russell
15 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:38:30
HereÂ’s a question.... when has Mr Mirallas ever excelled in a game that we all thought wow fookin wow?

HE has scored, let me think, maybe 5 goals that got me feeling that. My own interpretation of him watching games the last few seasons is on a stream from here in Asia is.... CRAP. He shows up very seldom, is in consistent and the Gold Bentley, to me just says so much to me, not that I am Woody Allen but. I am. He is selfish and is up his own ass sideways. Get rid, fucking gobshite

Darryl Ritchie
16 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:43:15
This is old news. The only question is, how much do we get for him?

Come on Kev! Light it up! Every goal you score from now on is another million.

Nick Entwistle
17 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:42:03
Fucking Martinez. All the fears that surrounded his appointment have come home to roost and the better players wanting out was the inevitable. We were a club always with an outside chance with qualifying and now weÂ’re just like any other shite team in the Prem.

CanÂ’t blame him, weÂ’re not going to be anywhere near 4th next season even if he stayed. At least heÂ’s doing us a favour leaving with his price tag high and not eroding inline with his quality as some of our other players are doing.

Colin Williams
18 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:24:47
Thinks heÂ’s better than he really is!... Nowhere near consistent enough for us. Let him go in the summer.. HeÂ’s too much up his "own arse". That "penalty fiasco", just about summed him up. How can anyone want a guy thatÂ’s not committed 100%?

Being in the same dressing room with this guy after those comments, "not good"... Especially with the shitte next game.

Also, itÂ’s not as "IF"..heÂ’s running the show! The guys been invisible most games..if not fecking injured! Just wish the manage" had a pair"... Tell this... "I AM" to shut the door behind him.

Kevin Tully
19 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:45:55
This "I want to play in the C.L." excuse gets right on my tits. Every player who wants a move, trots out the same, tired old shite. In fact, we could have a whole fucking side who "want to play in the Champions League" but do you know what? They arenÂ’t fucking good enough....or theyÂ’d be able to get 4th place with Everton, instead of bottling it every time we get near their holy grail.

So take your gold Bentley and shove it up your gold hoop, Kevin. Your not good enough son.

Jon Withey
20 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:50:56
Nice timing Kev - make sure you help your rep in the next game.
Stephen Brown
21 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:49:26
IÂ’d rather keep Mirallas but I think, if we are honest, we can see Kev has a very high opinion of himself.

He has been decent for us for a good few years and we couldnÂ’t really deny him a move as long as itÂ’s for an over inflated fee- as is the norm these days!

Create a few more memories first though Kevin starting with a goal on Saturday.

James Stewart
22 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:58:21
Supertool. Talk about timing. Makes an absolute idiot of himself with the penalty debacle which cost us valuable points. Then mouths off about wanting CL. You sir are a fool, a damn fool.
Nick Entwistle
23 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:54:19
Not every game is the brilliance of his West Ham performance, but he does it more often than most others. So if we were to get rid of all the players who werenÂ’t as good as Kevin we could at least swap the team coach for his Bentley.
Garry Corgan
24 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:02:46
IsnÂ’t this another way of saying, "IÂ’m one of the best players here and the others arenÂ’t good enough to get me where I want to be?"
Andrew Laird
25 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:03:03
This is the same fella who missed the target from a penalty, canÂ’t last 90 minutes and is so far up his own arse he can lick his own tonsils.
In saying all this he is one of our only goalscorers... Keep him.
Jamie Barlow
26 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:06:27
I like him and IÂ’ll be gutted if he goes. WeÂ’ll move on though. HeÂ’s just another good player going nowhere with a club going nowhere.
John Daley
27 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:20:23
DonÂ’t think anyone Â’begrudgeÂ’sÂ’ him wanting Champions League football. Just might be nice if he actually fucking earnt it.

This is a player who has spent long periods of his time at Everton sat on the sidelines injured, or being subbed after 70 minutes because he didnÂ’t have the stamina to complete a full game. When you add in the times heÂ’s simply looked like he canÂ’t be arsed then youÂ’ve got to wonder in what way he thinks heÂ’s progressed onto a higher plain.

By banging in three free kicks in two seasons? Putting in a barnstorming performance against West Ham in a no pressure cup game? Stepping up and Â’taking responsibilityÂ’ for a recent spot kick?

Not exactly a never ending roll call of scintillating performances springing to mind here. I can think of maybe four or five games heÂ’s grabbed by the balls since heÂ’s been here, at most.

HeÂ’s a very decent (on his day) but infuriatingly inconsistent player who has never lived up to the pre-move hype of being a poor mans Ronaldo.

The fact he is by far the best wide player currently at the club says more about the paucity of our other options in that area than it does about his potency.

Self-confidence is a great thing but, for me, the Belgian is nowhere near the player he actually thinks he is. A permanently sullen lip, occasionally silky skills and a mile wide selfish streak arenÂ’t enough to qualify Mirallas as some sort of mercurial maverick who deserves to strut his stuff on a bigger stage. He may be an ice cold Meursault kind of Â’outsiderÂ’ in his own mind, but more often than not, out on the pitch, heÂ’s shown all the clinical composure of Mork after finding out MindyÂ’s just fucked the Fonz.

Saying that, if in his desire to impress new suitors he scores the winner on Saturday and goes on to have a barnstorming end to the season, then he can fuck off with my full blessing and iÂ’ll even give him a sincere, double thumbÂ’s up, Henry Winkler style salute of Â’ayyyyyy!!Â’ Â’ as he drives off in his shiny gold Bentley that screams Â’bit of a bell end on boardÂ’.

Denver Daniels
28 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:29:34
ThatÂ’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. As long as we can get decent money for him and fully reinvest it in the team.

IÂ’m more concerned we might lose both Oviedo and Garbutt for nothing come the end of the season. Now that would be a disaster for a club of our limited means.

I hope Martinez is doing all he can to tie these two down but seeing as theyÂ’ve hardly featured, I donÂ’t hold out much hope.

Extending the contracts of over the hill players like Hibbert, Osman, Howard and Barry and not these two is criminal. Big effing mistake.

Sam Hoare
30 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:32:38
Think John Daley, as ever, has said it all. I might add though that he is one of our very few players who can make something happen from almost nothing and apart from Baines I donÂ’t think any player comes close in terms of chances/goals created over the last two seasons.

As such, ideally heÂ’d be here to stay and playing 90 mins every week but, if he goes, we certainly need to find some more players capable of creating.

Kevin Rowlands
31 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:32:51
We should have fucked him off this past window, that penalty bullshit finished it for me but this latest crap has topped it off.

He really has a very high opinion of himself and for me is nowhere near consistent or good enough for a top Champions League team. Does anyone see him getting a regular game at City, Chelsea, Barca, Bayern or Real? Not a frigging chance. Get rid and break the bank for Perisic who is a far better player.

Brent Stephens
32 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:32:45
LetÂ’s get the best we can out of his performances and then toss him off (if you understand my meaning).

"Athletico interested" in him? Oldham Athletico?

Trevor Peers
33 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:56:46
This guy is a walking cock-up. After his gruesome penalty miss, for which the fans received no apology, it requires a breathtaking arrogance on his part to then announce, on the eve of the derby game, his intention to leave Everton if (as seems certain) there is no CL qualification.

Maybe he fancies warming up the bench at a CL club because he definitely is not good enough to be in a top European team.

Get over yourself, Kev.

Dean Adams
34 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:26:35
Wow!! What a load of back-stabbing motherfuckers. He is the only player that ever looks likely to win us a game. It is not his fault that Bobby Brown shoes makes woeful substitutions. Oh yes, he missed a penalty. He made a crass mistake, but for a good reason and I do not believe he ever dreamt he would miss that penalty. I would bloody hate to go to war with many posters on here. Fickle beggars. This is real life, not bloody Football Manager.

So much moaning and bitching about all our players. Different flavour every month. It was Jags and Distin before Christmas. Baines has had his, Barry got a bashing. Romelu is crap according to many. What football team do these people support?
On the live forum it gets worse. I canÂ’t believe some supporters. WE are Everton, not some scummy shite like our neighbours. Clear to see why they take the piss out of us.

Last season, the sun shone out of all the arses of all the players, this season we have a revolt. DonÂ’t you just love the diversity?

Mike Green
35 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:41:10
What also gets right on my tits is, I have no problem with him having these thoughts, or sharing them with the club but coming out and saying it publicly is a fucking piss take.

The biggest part of the piss take being it will be his agents idea, cunningly hatched to alert other clubs to "come and get him". CanÂ’t he do his job properly either and just pick up the fucking phone and do it behind closed doors?

And as for Â’January isnÂ’t the ideal month for a transferÂ’, IÂ’m sorry we havenÂ’t got a time machine that can magically transport you to the summer Kev, do you mind sitting it out for four months while we pay you a fucking fortune to not want to really be here - I mean, not absolutely not want to be here but the next best thing, yeah?

TWAT!

(Apologies for the language).

Steve Carse
36 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:47:58
Before moving on to another challenge isnÂ’t it normally the case that youÂ’ve conquered the first?
Phil Walling
37 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:44:45
Dean, itÂ’s good to see you are so happy with Mirallas and his ilk - even if you do have to go back to last season for pleasant memories. Now, in the sixties...........
Paul Tran
38 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:37:43
He wants a new challenge. Good luck to him. If he doesnÂ’t want to play for Everton he can fuck off as soon as we get decent money for him.

Great on his day, with a propensity to disappear from games, not last 90 mins and regularly get injured. IÂ’m sure his agent is pedalling selective highlight videos around Europe as we speak.

IÂ’m looking forward to seeing him scoring the odd free kick for a middling Spanish league team, followed by the selective bitter rants on here about the wonderful Moyes signing who was pissed off by the evil Martinez.

Brian Harrison
39 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:46:27
Well I don’t know about Mirallas wanting Champions League football – I would like just one year for us to qualify.

I know that when we last had a decent team we along with all other English sides were banned from entering. But I remember watching the last time we were in it and lost to Panathaniakos. Yet I have had to watch our neighbours lift the trophy 5 times, and be in it on countless occasions.

Oh I almost forgot the charlatan promised BK within 4 years we would qualify, well I am not holding my breath.

Andy Cobham
40 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:46:05
The questions IÂ’ve got are.... what are you doing to get Champions League football Kev? Are you pulling your tripe out every week, running through walls for the cause? Are you using your very capable skills to take responsibility for ensuring that we win most matches? Are you absolutely wowing the fans with your attitude and never say die approach? Are you man of the match most weeks? Have you been the match changing player For Everton in the big matches? Are you tracking back and covering so that Seamus/Leighton can bomb forward ? Are you showing for the ball and an ever open player for Gareth Barry/Besic and of the back four to pass to, then showing your superb movement to get free again?
Unfortunately whilst I class you as one of our better players and with all of the attributes to say yes to all of the above, in actual fact the answer is probably no to most of them. So like the rest of us in the real world, if you want to work alongside the best, be the best....then the rewards will come along sunbeam. Til then shut it and get your mardy arse in gear. Starting Saturday would be a good start btw
Dean Adams
41 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:01:16
Phil, just for the record, can you tell me which of our players this season has the highest combined goals ans assists?

If we are talking semantics, you clearly said before the season that Bobby would lead us to a lowly 7th-ish. Looking at the season as a whole, four months remaining, it is still very much achievable. Fans should support their teams. Ours on this site have lost sight of that small fact.

Kevin Rowlands
42 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:56:39
DA #36, you may want to go and look at the footage of that penalty incident again. It wasnÂ’t just fans who were pissed off with him, most of the players were obviously livid and also the manager who promptly subbed him at half time.

And as for the valid reason, why didnÂ’t Lukaku grab the ball because the lad who was unfortunately killed was his best mate? Mirallas as always was thinking about himself.

And btw I resent being called a motherfucker for caring more about my club than a greedy selfish mercenary twat and his golden Bentley, who probably doesnÂ’t give a shit about Champions League and is in reality looking for the next big payday.

Ant Summers
43 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:05:58
He was well coached by his agent, by the sounds of it. Talk about put irons in the fire, well his performances need to improve before ant top CL pick him up, yeah he will get a game for the also rans, let him go if the price is right.
Alan Cox
45 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:08:50
New poster here! Like the headline, I also want Champions League (though we will get pissed on!). His best game was against the dark side 2 years ago when the RAT stamped on him. Bainseys last 2 pens were rank so I donÂ’t blame him for steppin up.

I hate derby matches – whenever I put the radio on, they scored... so I stopped that. Watching Sky gets the sweats on... this season, I put the radio on the TV – 1 minute later, Jags lets fly!!!!!!!!! I might try that Saturday.

Paul Tran
46 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:07:45
To be fair Dean, I think PhilÂ’s point (correct me if IÂ’m wrong Phil), is that any half-decent manager will have us finishing seventh. The current likelihood of us finishing anywhere near seventh is enough for anyone to point the finger at Roberto.

WeÂ’ll all be here longer than any manager or player. WeÂ’re in our rights to criticise any of them for poor performance - it doesnÂ’t make us any less of a supporter.

Colin Glassar
47 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:08:24
IÂ’ve never been a fan of Mirallas. As far as IÂ’m concerned heÂ’s far too inconsistent to be rated a top player. If he wants CL football IÂ’m sure one of the big Turkish or Greek teams would take him. I canÂ’t see any of the European power houses falling over themselves for a player guaranteed to miss at least a third of each season and who finds it physically impossible to finish most games.
Good luck Kevin but I think youÂ’re pissing against the wind.
Tony Cheek
48 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:08:58
Some great posts here,( Tony #10, Andy #40) Well said both of you! Cant stand this overated creep. Turns up at Finch Farm after 2 weeks in a gold Bentley. He really is on another planet. Never gives 100% and his Champions League standard moments are very few and far between. Sell him, and buy someone who gives a damn! Hope Bob puts you on the bench saturday!
Mike Green
49 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:13:07
Dean #34 - if only Kevin had as high an opinion of us as you do.
Mark Taylor
50 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:45:38
The problem for Mirallas is not finding a club that can give him CL football and where he would be a first choice- he could try Celtic and still stay on this island, if they are the only criteria.

The problem is finding one that can achieve the above and pay him the wages he has grown accustomed to. That means one of the top teams in Spain, Germany and Italy. Would they want him for their squad and would he be a first choice?

To context this, looking at global sports salaries, in La Liga, outside Barca and Real, only Atletico pay on a par with us.

In Germany, only Bayern, Schalke and Dortmund pay much more than we do, and a cluster of clubs (none guaranteed CL) paying a bit less than us.

Italy is a better bet with several clubs with much bigger wage structures: Juve, Roma, Milan, Inter. France, beyond Monanco and PSG, pay rubbish.

So the choice is limited and I doubt Mirallas would be a top earner at any of these clubs. The word is that Dortmund and Athletico are interested but would he be a first choice with either and neither are guaranteed CL (especially Dortmund).

Dean Adams
51 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:09:46
KR 42
If the cap fits!! You of course decided to make that link, not I. Defending our players from the pathetic comments that are often made by people who have never and never will play for the club is just a bit of a past time of mine. I have not as is suggested by others said that I think Kev has acted in a fitting manner, just that the comments made on this site are often "over inflated". I do not as a rule believe that ToffeeWebbers should lower themselves to personal attacks. Generalisations are not personal . Opinions are personal and are equally valid, but insults often devalue the validity of a posters intentions. Love and peace dude.
Fraser Auld
52 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:17:45
Good but not as good as he thinks he is - too inconsistent and turns up when he likes.

Having said that, despite his faults, he is by a country mile our most dangerous wide man. If he goes in the summer then the wings need major, major surgery (not that they donÂ’t even if he stays).

Dean Adams - hear hear!

Kevin Rowlands
53 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:26:01
DA, so now you have had to have played for Everton to have an opinion or be able to criticize? What a load of bollocks.
Linda Morrison
54 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:24:38
As I thought if he was chocolate he would eat himself! I think he needs to go just as EtoÂ’o did too many big heads.

LetÂ’s see who wants him, he is injury prone and too full of his own importance.

I hope Roberto drops him for the derby and sticks to the players who want to play with the club. You will see, Lennon is going to be great!

Brian Hennessy
55 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:27:37
Still anoyed with him over that penalty, but no matter what way you look at it, Mirallas has been one of our best players for a few years and we will be a weaker side with him gone.

I know a lot of fans are annoyed with how this is developing but at least he has been honest about what he wants.

It would be far worse if he said nothing, ran his contract out and left for free, just like a certain Scottish manager I know.

Dave Abrahams
56 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:22:01
Now that we have seen Mirallas for the last few years, if he played for another team, how many fans on here would want us to sign him? IÂ’d have to give him a miss.
Dean Adams
57 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:32:10
KR 53

Wow, is English not a strong point of yours? You make seriously poor leaps in your interpretation of what others have actually said. You like to critisize players for something that you clearly are not capable of.

Not your fault you are not a pro-football player, but these are real people, not computer data. How would you react if all of a sudden the players you slate came on here and ripped you to pieces?

Ian Brandes
58 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:10:46
I donÂ’t know what to think of this interview apart from the fact that it will give the RS a big lift before the game. It also leaves RM with a huge dilemma of whether to play him or not. If Super Kev turns up, then he can change a game for the better. If not, he is a waste of time.

So what do we do? There are many managers out there who would bench him or even worse because itÂ’s a big risk to play him if he doesnÂ’t want to be here. He may have wanted to leave in this just departed transfer window, so this may be part of a public sulk.

Perhaps he will start to put himself in the shop window with a series of scintillating performances. Maybe, maybe not. However, this whole sorry story doesnÂ’t say much for how the Club handles its publicity. Do we really want to see highly regarded players rocking the boat before one of the most important games of our season?

Furthermore how does this reflect on Bobby Bullshit? Has he got any control of the dressing room at all? Answers on the back of a fag packet please!

Mike Green
60 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:41:04
"Now isnÂ’t the ideal month for me to leave you," says Girl.

"I have never said I absolutely want to," she continues "I like the house after all, but if you canÂ’t get me a bigger one, IÂ’m going to find a fella that can."

"CanÂ’t knock her ambition...." thinks Boy.

Andy Crooks
61 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:42:42
Tony, # 10 good post. I have mates who support teams in the Premier League, go to see them few times a season and make up for it by knowing what is going on. Mirallas means nothing to them. He is the most overrated player that has played for our club in many, many years.

Why should we be grateful that he gives his all, when he feels like it, for a huge salary? He is a bench player at a Champions League club, nothing more. It saddens me that Evertonians can understand his ambition. Our club is as good as it will ever get for him and if he wants Champions League he should put a proper shift in and get it here. Another phoney hired hand.

Tony Draper
62 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:42:54
Timothy Figala Cahill:
255 appearances 68 goals

Derek Mountfield:
147 appearances 25 goals

Kevin Antonio Joel Gislain Mirallas y Castillo:
75 appearances 26 goals

It’s not always about ability.
It’s not always about goals scored per game/appearance.

It’s always who has and who has not earned the royal blue jersey.

Mike Green
63 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:05:13
PostScript to post 60# is she says it in the pub in front of all of his mates.

Nice.

Ian Brandes
64 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:06:08
Tony 62,

Best observation of the night so far!

Andy Cobham
66 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:11:35
Evertonians are born not manufactured,
We do not choose, we are chosen,
Those that understand need no explanation,
Those that don’t, don’t matter.
Says it all...Kevin do you understand?

And for those who say they’re not supporters, it’s their job, hired hands etc.....Do you think Graeme Sharp, Graham Stuart, Ian Snodin, Alan Ball, Tim Cahill, Neville Southall understand?

Frank Crewe
67 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:15:22
The penalty fiasco didn’t get him a move so now it’s the old "I want CL Football" ploy.

Maybe he should sign for one of those second rate turkish clubs that qualify every year because their league is shite. He’ll never win it but he will be in it, at least until the league stage is over anyway.

Get a big fee for him in the summer. Lets see if he wants to go to Spurs if they don’t qualify because Arsenal have pipped them again.

In the meantime if he thinks he’s the next Ronaldo he’s got 16 matches to prove it. Starting against the RS on Saturday.

Jay Wood
68 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:23:13
Why am I not surprised at the rabid reaction to KevinÂ’s interview, reported in a Belgium newspaper?

On the one hand supporters demand unwavering loyalty from players (as with Kevin here), but on the other there is scorn and calls for the instant dismissal of loyal consistently performing servants as soon as there is a dip in form (as with Distin).

Again, on the one hand supporters want talented, even arrogant players with a bit of swagger to their game, on the other they resent someone openly speaking of their ambition to play at the highest level.

As this thread shows, people trot out the wildest of speculation and the crassest of personal insults towards one of our better players in a spewing forth of real or faux outrage, as if it was proof positive of the type of guy Kevin is.

This is buoyed by a revisionist view on his contribution to the club during his time with us.

Well I for one am going to stand up and defend him.

Kevin is a big game player. He nearly ALWAYS performs in the big games, both for club and country. He doesnÂ’t blink or cack himself when pitting himself against the very best.

He has a certain "je ne sais quoi," an unpredictability about his game which can be a game changer.

If you hadnÂ’t notice, even though playing through injury in our most abysmal period of form, he has been our most creative source and highest scorer since returning to the team following his injury in the first derby game.

I was – and still am – royally pissed off with him for the penalty incident against WBA, but again, that was borne out of 2 things: his confidence in his own ability, and on a personal, emotional front, a desire to do something to celebrate the death of a close friend some days earlier. I cannot condemn him outright for displaying those qualities – confidence and compassion – as costly as it proved to the team on the night.

As for the comments he is being castigated for, the timing a couple of days before the derby is a distraction, but nothing more than that.

Other than that Kevin has expressed honesty and ambition – an ambition I personally want from players pulling on the blue jersey of Everton.

So no, IÂ’m not going to join in the moral indignation being hurled in his direction.

My deeper concern is, as I feared, season’s such as this one will not help us to retain or attract the quality of players – such as Kevin – that we need to give us even an outside chance of achieving the Holy Grail of CL qualification or some kind of trophy.

Ray Said
70 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:25:32
We bought him from Olympiakos in 2012. They had just won their league and had just qualified for .......the Champions League (qualifiers)! But that didnt stop him from moving here did it?
Colin Glassar
72 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:40:36
Money Ray, money.
Ray Said
73 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:43:36
Spot on Colin
Kevin Rowlands
74 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:03:18
DA, I didn’t realize that you had to have a major in English literature to make a comment on a footy forum, but forgive me for hurting poor Kevin Mirallas feelings, I doubt he would even give a shit and I’m sure the 50k plus he earns each week would soften the blow. Also, there are lads on here that have invested 30/40/50 years of there life emotionally and financially into EFC and have every right to have an opinion or criticize regardless of whether it’s fair or not, having never played for the club has fuck all to do with it, in fact you yourself don’t seem to have a problem having a sly dig at our manager in your original post, maybe you should practice what you preach.
Mike Green
75 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:37:54
How about "unprofessional".....?
Andy Crooks
76 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:42:19
Andy, # 66, I used the term " hired hands" to distinguish between the likes of Mirallas and the Evertonians you rightly named.

Jay, I believe that loyalty warrants loyalty in return and have never wanted an Evertonian shipped out. I just cannot understand how you can defend a hired hand who thinks our club is not good enough for him. He is not that good . If only he were a fraction as good as he thinks he is.

Ambition is fine; would it not be refreshing to hear an egotistical nearly man like Mirallas say something like," I am ambitious for Champions league football and I will give all I have to get my club there. I wonder if , say Newcastle, offered him 250 K a week how his Champions league ambitions would.change.

Why can he not just shut up and earn his inflated salary.

Colin Glassar
77 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:54:37
If we offer him ten grand a week more he will be kissing the badge and say he wants to end his career with us. Money moves mountains.
Mike Jones
78 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:57:02
Michael/Lyndon

How do I send you a ’feedback’ response with a site observation rather than posting to an open forum> the ’contact and feedback’ link doesn’t appear to be working.

thanks

Kevin Rowlands
79 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:55:13
Wasn’t Fellaini spouting the Champions league bullshit as well and having his old man giving press releases every month about him wanting to be at a big club etc? Another one btw who thought he was better than he actually is as Utd fans have well and truly found out. Like you’ve just pointed out Col, it’s all about the money, we all know that, but we shouldn’t criticize the greedy mercenary twats because we’ve never played for the club.
Joe Hurst
80 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:58:49
A few exciting goals doesn’t earn him even the right to be in the same postcode of the true ’greats’ of this club that we love.

As for this,

don’t let the door hit you in the a**e on the way out, f**knuts.

Andy Cobham
81 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:00:01
Andy #76 totally agree bud...I was attempting to make a similar point. Some are chosen, some don’t understand.

To be honest, I’ve always liked Kevin Mirallas, in fact felt like he’s a true Everton ’style’ player-full of skill and possessing that something extra...that’s probably why I’m fed up with his stance here. Reminds of the kind of player who leaves a relegated club, inferring "I’m too good for this lot", when he was a part of what got them relegated in the first place. If KM hasn’t played in the Champs League for us, it’s at least partially and as he believes he’s one of our best players (And so do I) then a large part, down to him....

Colin Glassar
82 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:08:24
Kevin, it might be innocent on my part but I bet the likes of Ossie, Hibbo and Barkley would be just as happy playing for THEIR club for far less money if that was the only option. Even Bainsey (even though he earns a fortune) couldÂ’ve doubled his money with the mancs but decided to stay.
The other lads are there just for the money. ItÂ’s a job to them. Nothing more, nothing less.
Kevin Tully
83 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:07:54
If some of my hard earned (however little) is going towards the wages of an Everton player, is it O.K. to criticise him for wanting more money elsewhere? I thought Pienaar was a greedy little fucker as well by the way, that’s why he left wasn’t it?

If you want to believe the C.L. football bollocks, that’s completely up to you, whoever you are.

I’m not outraged, not in the least. In fact, I’d be surprised if a few more don’t leave if they are offered more money. But please don’t tell me I should be happy about it. Now that does insult me, not the pricks who drive gold coloured cars.

Kevin Rowlands
85 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:16:08
Exactly Colin, my problem with Mirallas is the timing of this and why did he even have to go public. He’s having a mediocre season as is the team, he’s just pissed everyone off with his selfishness in the WBA game, the last thing we need is bullshit like this right before a derby on Saturday. All he has to do is stop gobbing off in public, get his head down and light it up the rest of the season and he’ll have plenty of suitors come the summer and like Ray pointed out if Champions League is so important to him why the fuck didn’t he stay at Olympiakos?
Kunal Desai
86 Posted 05/02/2015 at 20:50:47
I really don’t know what all the kerfuffle is about on here. This is an average player playing at an average club. It’s not like we have a world beater on our hands, likewise it’s not as though this club has been challenging top honours for 25 years either.The two probably go in tandem. What people don’t seem to realise is that Everton are not going to achieve any success (silverware/champions league group stages) in either the short term or medium to long term (in my eyes). If you want to point fingers at anyone then perhaps look towards the inept board. What ambition have they exactly shown over the last 15 years in aiming and pushing the club for top honours? Yet as fans we take the easy option by slaughtering an average footballer at the club who wants to achieve success, yet nothing is ever done about the lazy ass turds that run then club. Mirallas isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last footballer to say he wants to fulfill his ambitions away from Goodison. Everton have been and will remain for sometime a stepping stone club for footballers to eventually move on to better times in there careers. Just accept it whilst Kenshite and his chums remain in power.
Craig Bellew
87 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:28:58
He’s a cheeky c**t n he can jog the fuck on as far as Im concerned ! He’s given next to nothing this season and for him to play the Lukaku card with "I want champions league footie" is a disgrace IMO ! He wants to concentrate on his employers and WE PAY HIM FOR before spouting this shite ! #fumingwiththispremodanna
Craig Bellew
88 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:38:08
Why do we always end up with players who wanna go elsewhere for the promise of CL ? I’d sell him for as much as poss in the summer and get a player who ’wants to wear the shirt’ fumig with KM !!!!!!!!
Craig Bellew
89 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:40:44
WHAT WE PAY HIM FOR & fuming was what I meant to say ! Grrrrrrrrrrrr. Earn ya wage lad n stop whinging about what we can’t provide at present!!!!!
Colin Glassar
90 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:35:10
LetÂ’s just admit that he will be away in the summer and we move on. WeÂ’ve lost far better players than him before, one of them was even one of our own, and we manage to survive.
There are 3-4 major predators in world football (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Munich and Man Utd) who can basically pick and choose the cream of the crop, closely followed by the nouveau riche man city and Chelsea. The rest of us (including former giants Juventus and Milan) are wide open to be raided by these financial monsters but Kevin, forget about these types of teams, Besiktas or Red Bull Salzburg are more likely to be your future destination.
John Daley
91 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:46:29
"Kevin is a big game player. He nearly ALWAYS performs in the big games"

For the past month, with the precarious position they’ve found themselves in, struggling to break a sequence of dismal results that threatened to drag them down amongst the relegation candidates , every game has been a ’big’ game for the club.

Mirallas performed to the best of his ability in a grand total of
one of the six games played in January.

For the rest he offered nothing above the bare minimum and, even worse, seemed less than desperate to help drag his team out of the mire (there’s a nifty, if not exactly thorough, little rundown of his contribution here: Link

For some reason he seemed to have decided that this period when his club, teammates and manager were virtually down on their knees was the perfect time to focus instead on his personal fortunes and future. I don’t see anything there that I would deem worthy of defending.

"..the penalty incident against WBA, but again, that was borne out of 2 things: his confidence in his own ability, and on a personal, emotional front, a desire to do something to celebrate the death of a close friend some days earlier"

Has he actually come out and claimed this was the case? Not that I’ve seen. It’s more likely just people looking for possible reasoning behind why he acted in the manner of a preening selfish prick. If he wanted to take the penalty to honour his fallen friend, and if this was such an understandable gesture, then why was Lukaku remonstrating with him before his walk to the spot? Is the younger man with a deeper bond to the deceased simply the more mature and professional of the two?

Christine Foster
92 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:27:14
Jay, you hit the nail on the head as far as I am concerned, all too often we build them up and knock them down in a vicious and vindictive manner, the tall poppy syndrome is alive and well.
We are supporters, we have to understand they are bought and sold based on their continued ability, their value is dependent on performance not their undying love for our club. As supporters many understand this and accept it is the modern game, others can’t see further than their nose. Good players with years of service to the club are ridiculed and dismissed of without a second thought other than "good riddance" if they dare to speak.
This is a world far removed from the 80’s where players all came from parts of the uk, where they actually loved the team they played for. This modern sanitized game draws its players from all over the world with players who have one ambition. To be the best they can be and use whatever vehicle, club, to get them there. They have no allegiance to use or any other club, just to themselves. We may decry it for what it is, but we demand players with the highest ability and in doing so we have to realize that loyalty comes with the receipt of the paycheck and not the heart.
It would be great to have a club where every single player would play for the love of the club and be respected for it but you would have to look several theirs below the premier league to find it.
Mike Allison
93 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:42:48
He’s actively held us back at times this season. The penalty is obvious, rarely does a single player so clearly cost his team points. But actually, he seems to think he’s good at free kicks and keeps taking them instead of Baines. How many more would Baines have fired in if he’d been taking them regularly instead of submitting to bigger egos?

If Mirallas wants Champions League football then he has to be better. If he was as good as he thinks he is he’d walk into most teams in Europe, but then if he was as good as he thinks he is we’d have a lot more points.

Kevin Rowlands
94 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:48:19
JD, how dare you say these things about Mirallas, you’ve never played for Everton so what would you know?
Peter Laing
95 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:57:38
After missing the penalty the prick should have learned his lesson and be keeping schtum. It’s all about Kevin, the self centred egotist. Put him on the bench till he gets his dream move, another shithouse Radzinski in my book.
Kevin Rowlands
96 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:54:47
Christine, I agree with your post as I’m sure everyone else does. It’s the timing of it that stinks; if he had been lighting it up and playing out of his socks, I would understand it more. The fact is he’s been for the most part shite this season, as have most of the team and the manager.

He’s just pissed off everyone including his teammates with his actions in the WBA game. We are a couple of days away from a derby, we’re hovering above the relegation zone, and this tool goes public with his CL bollocks. Do you think this has helped team morale? I somehow doubt it.

Will Firstbrook
97 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:21:52
Unprofessional I would agree with 100%

He is no different than any other mercenary playing the game today. Money, big market fame and cups (in that order) is what drives player movement today. Club loyalty plays little or no part.

Is he egotistical? Yep. Is he greedy at times? Yep. Can he be inconsistent? Yep. Does he get you on the edge of your seat when he’s bearing down into the box at breakneck speed? For me, yes.

The good and the bad of an enigmatic player. Whether you consider him a CL caliber player is almost irrelevant. Some club with greater means and likely greater ambition than our Board will take him and put him to good use. He possesses game-changing ability and qualities that clubs pay a premium for. Cash in and move on.

Nick Armitage
98 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:00:36
Extend his contract for a year and thrn sell him to the highest bidder. Problem solved. Overrated show pony who turns up for 5 games a season. Good riddance.
Paul Smith
99 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:11:36
If true, it’s a shame that one of our better players wants to leave. It happens a lot in football.
Alan McGuffog
100 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:05:45
So he wanted "to celebrate the death of his close friend". When my best mate died a year or two ago I went to his funeral. I hugged his widow and shook hands with his son. I partook of a glass or two of malt raising them to his memory.

Why could not Mirallas have contented himself with doing something like this? No we have to have a public display of raising our hands and faces to the heavens a la Lampard. Even in circumstances such as these some footballers have to go for a photo opportunity!

Jim Hourigan
101 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:00:25
Christine (#92), your points are spot on. Modern-day footballers see this as a job of work, not a vocation; they are not wedded to any club and it is only us, the supporters, who feel the passion and pain of the teams we support.

Much as it pains me to say it, but I suspect Gerrard will be the last of the one club players who has a genuine affection for the club he plays for... Rooney???

Get real, folks – why should a Belgian or even a Geordie be passionate about Everton? The passion only exists in the terraces – not in the changing rooms.

Nicholas Ryan
102 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:14:06
Super Kev says he wants consistent Champions’ League football... call his bluff... tell him he can sign for Celtic, but no-one else.

Doesn’t he realise, that if he went to one of the super-clubs, he would be sitting on the bench, OBSERVING Champions’ League football!

Tom Bowers
103 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:18:54
Has the talent but is inconsistent and injury prone. Hasn’t really lit up Goodison in his spell here and he won’t be missed but he should have kept his mouth shut until the season was over.

It’s likely he won’t be starting many games now just as Slippy G over at Anfield.

Jamie Barlow
104 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:16:12
He drives a gold car? What a disgraceful flashy fucker!!
Tony Draper
105 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:24:09
Perhaps now when those among us who regularly take aim upon the likes of Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman and more recently Ross Barkley are ready to repeat their "hobby", they will just pause and think precisely what it is that they really want from a first team player at Everton FC.
Kevin Tully
106 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:21:34
No doubt we could have quite a few of our current crop asking to leave for "Champions League football."

My question is, why don’t you make that happen with your current employers, who pay you Champions League wages in some cases – let’s not forget that little snippet.

It’s a cop-out and agents and footballers everywhere have a ready made excuse to engineer a move away if they fancy a pay-day (both agent & player).

Anyone who wants to excuse all of the above is quite entitled to, I just don’t see why the fans should just accept it as some sort of noble quest for the player to better his career.

They are paid handsomely enough, and they have the opportunity to win something with Everton – some people talk about us like we are a League One side holding these superstars back.

Colin Grierson
107 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:12:09
Is it me or does this jumped-up prick think he is doing us a favour by gracing us with his presence? If he was as good as he clearly thinks he is then I would be gutted that he wants to go but understand that he deserves the chance to play CL football. However, his inconsistency, coupled with his arrogance have failed to ingratiate him to the fans as a whole. When he grabbed the ball and missed ’that’ pen, I felt his time was up.

Personally, I’ve never warmed to him and, as some posters have alluded to, he is not part of our fabric. Kevin Mirallas doesn’t play for Everton – he plays for Kevin Mirallas. If he wants the move he thinks he deserves, he’d best start showing the form that will bring it about... and then he can do one.

John Malone
108 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:15:15
Shithouse, he’s always played for himself and not the team. I agree totally with what Nick said above extend for twelve months and get shut for as much as possible.

Moving forward I’d like to see us scouting some talent from the championship or british based players, most of these foreigners couldn’t give a toss for the club or the fans, we need more of the good solid character’s Moyes brought in.

Have to say I was really impressed with David Wheater last night and a couple of Bolton’s midfielder’s, there is definitely talent out there. Also the way Lennon has got them playing was impressive, I know it’s early day’s but I like his fire and steel he was my first choice to takeover us after Moyes and if it goes tits up with Roberto I’d give him a crack, there’s a guy who would win us a derby!

Ant Summers
109 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:30:32
Mo Besic worked out what you have to do in English football: work bloody hard, keep out of the papers, don’t talk about your career after the club your playing for. Do all this and you will get the plaudits, and your just rewards.

I very very much doubt Mo will be with us in 3 years time, unless we have a big upward curve in fortunes, but then again I would not hold him back from a big CL move, he will have deserved it no doubt.

KM On the other hand will get the best deal he can from some mediocre team in the CL, just get the best price for him.

Tony Dove
110 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:31:33
He has never been a team man and – although he thinks he is – he is not good enough not to be.

I always thought it was his selfishness that destroyed Jelavic.

Nigel Gregson
111 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:38:42
He can fuck right off. Selfish twat.....
Stuart Fearns
112 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:41:24
Jay @68 and Christine @92 excellent posts and puts some reality and perspective amid the feverish comment.

Modern players live in a world where they are bought and sold as commodities and need to look after themselves in that world. Yes the best get paid beyond our dreams, but they are there because they can play football better than the millions of others that have tried.

I’ll be sad to see him go because he’s one of our better players, but I can’t begrudge him wanting to try and find something better, because that’s what most of us want in life.

Everyone knows players come and go and we remain as the heart of the club.

Ian Jones
113 Posted 05/02/2015 at 22:50:01
Slightly off topic but I would have loved to see the reaction on ToffeeWeb (if it had been around then) in the 80s when the likes of Gary Stevens, Trevor Steven, Gary Lineker and Howard Kendall all disappeared off to pastures new when we were unable to offer European football etc. At least I assume that was the reason...
Dave Pritchard
114 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:01:18
Maybe Olympiakos will re-sign him. He is good enough for regular first group stage Champions League football but that is as far as it goes. On his day he is very good indeed but these days are too infrequent. Play Lennon in his place on Saturday and leave Super (in his own mind) Kev on the bench.
Robert Duncombe
115 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:10:31
I would like to support a Champions League team, Kev, but you can’t have everything.
Steve Carse
116 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:13:31
Ian (114) there’d have been meltdown in each case, quite rightly, as now.
Gavin Johnson
117 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:36:19
Straight swap with Wolfsburg for Peresic... a more than adequate replacement.
Colin Malone
118 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:35:36
Play him. The derby is going to be shown worldwide and Mirallas wants to let CL teams see how good he can be. Play him.
Colin Gee
119 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:41:56
Thanks for the memories, Kev, you almost kicked rasicm out of football in the derby at Goodison last season, can we have just one more on Saturday please?

A two-footed lunge at Slippy that breaks both his legs please. You’ll be an Everton legend mate.

Peter Thistle
120 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:40:08
Him and his gold Bentley can both fook off, poser.
Mike Green
121 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:55:38
Robert #116 - superb post. : )
Kevin Rowlands
122 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:54:39
GK #118, oh how I would love that, Peresic is twice the player ’super’ Kev thinks he is. It’s not hard to tell what he’s like, compare to Steven Naismith who buys season tickets for unemployed fans, helps feed the homeless, drives a mini cooper not a golden Bentley, signs a new contract, is humble, loves the club, puts a shift in every game, and doesn’t big himself up for CL football, who would we rather represent our football club? not a hard answer is it.
Andy Crooks
123 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:08:26
Robert (#116), that post is brilliant. Sums up, in one great sentence, what I have been trying to say in millions. Good stuff.

Ian Riley
124 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:11:09
Sorry, but the manager is to blame. He talks about players as if Everton are lucky to have them. This is EVERTON, not Wigan! The manager needs to grow some and tell players you have a contract, now shut the .... up!

He wants Champions League, good for him! Place a five-year contract under his nose £80,000 a week. Let’s see how important Champions League football is then.

Harold Matthews
125 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:08:35
Fairly decent 70-minute player. Simione wouldn’t touch him with a bargepole. I’ve never liked the guy. Felt sick when Baines stroked his head.
Andy Crooks
126 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:33:52
Ian and Harold, good posts that just yawn at this overrated employee.
Steve Woods
127 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:38:56
Does this mean our Kevin is off to Celtic?
Paul Dark
128 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:43:11
Shame. Would prefer him to stay. Hope it doesn’t unsettle Rom.
Eric Myles
129 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:47:52
Who can blame him for wanting out with the way we’re currently set up to play.
Eddie Dunn
130 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:46:21
The timing of this is stupid, just before the derby, but we all think the big head was going in the summer anyway. He will, as Kevin said, end up playing for some shite team in the CL. who will be knocked out before it gets serious.

Fellaini wanted CL and did play the arse end of one or two pointless games... The sad fact is, that if you play for a big club, you don’t make the team until they have qualified for the knockout stage, and you just get shit-arse games in dead rubbers.

If KM got a big move, he would just be a last 20 mins impact sub at best. Let him go.

Gavin Johnson
131 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:52:59
Ian (#125), I agree, mate. How the hell could he have justified this Champions League bollocks if he’d have signed for Spurs?!
Anthony Lamb
132 Posted 06/02/2015 at 00:28:31
It is also an example of the disdain for the supporters of the club when players make public their personal ambitions. Of course he is entitled to have personal ambitions. But to conduct these desires/aspirations in public is perhaps typical of the mindset of many footballers in the modern game.

Paid obscene amounts of money simply because they are in an industry at the most fortunate time in its history for ludicrously inflated remuneration they actually think they are very important. Often giving them ideas above their station, their abilities, their efforts, their actual significance in the wider scheme of things.

Thus Mirallas and others can make these public pronouncements with no thought for, or even concept of, the relationship supporters have with their club and the players who represent them on the field and the impact their statements have on those supporters.

Perhaps it will help those who are not yet aware of it, or refuse to acknowledge the fact, that these players are simply "doing a job" and if pay and conditions are better elsewhere most simply follow the cash cow. However, players telling club no supporters that they are not able to fulfil his ambitions and doing so in public must also then accept that once they have treated the support base with such disdain then when they perform inadequately or lamentably for whatever reason then the fatuous demand or expectation that we all "get behind him to see him through his sticky patch" should fall on deaf ears.

It will be interesting to see the reaction of the support base to Mirallas performing so inconsistently in the coming months. He may have to cope with the disdain of people being expressed in the only way open to them in the public arena of the sports ground and that will be deserved because he will have lost the trust and perhaps affection of the crowd. If he scores the winner against Liverpool or in any other future game then he may deserve no more than a reaction that says "well he was only doing what he was paid to do". All very sad and I wonder what a Brian Labone would have made of it all - for he too was ambitious.

Clive McBride
133 Posted 06/02/2015 at 01:20:41
He misses a penalty and all of a sudden, he’s too good for us... ;)
John Gee
134 Posted 06/02/2015 at 02:32:54
He had a good twenty minute spell against WHU in the last month so good luck getting a fresh new challenge at the top of La Liga.

For me, this just has all the appearances of a egomaniac spitting his dummy out because someone had a go at him in the dressing room and/or press.

Fine him two weeks wages, tell to keep his dumb mouth shut then tell him we’ll be willing to take the highest offer in the summer. If that offer comes from a championship club, we’ll take it. How d’ya like them apples Kev? (Le appelles, c’est bon? or whatever)

Phil Sammon
135 Posted 06/02/2015 at 02:24:46
I’m disappointed he’s come out and said this publicly... but I understand where he’s coming from. We have been utter shite this season and Mirallas, when fit, has been the only player who looks like he can make something happen.

It sets a horrible president to offer him a new contract now... but I’d still be inclined to do it. We can’t let our best players go... especially not for a pittance.

Mike Price
136 Posted 06/02/2015 at 03:39:30
I think there’s a bit of an overreaction to what’s been reported was said. Does anyone even know when it was said? Seems like I’ve heard the same tune ages ago coming from some Belgian source.

Context is missing a bit, but it does make you wonder if what he’s seeing behind the scenes is affecting him. One giant step forward last season, and two giant ones back this, is going to make some players consider their careers.

Anyway, I’ll always like him for what he half did to Suarez last year and for the fact, he’s one of the few, with any fire and aggression in them.

Colin Williams
137 Posted 06/02/2015 at 03:20:49
Phill#136.. The only player to make things happen! "Your havin a laugh" this guyÂ’s been a waste of space for ages. Scored a couple of goals, and very little else. This fecking big head thinks heÂ’s a CL player! (HeÂ’s takin the piss) heÂ’s done feck all within his blues career to remotely suggest heÂ’s got that quality! I tell you what though... WeÂ’ve got quite a few younger lads within the team who are/ will be CL players in the future. (Hopefully with the Toffees!)

Looking back at MirallasÂ’s Everton career, very few moments that convinced me heÂ’s been a good signing... in fact heÂ’s been a dreadful signing. Reasons: 1) Nowhere near consistent enough within games (goes missing for ages in games)
2) Injures!!
3) Not a team player! (Very rare you see him defending, he canÂ’t be arsed, heÂ’s also shit at it)

Like many Blues have said, Kevin Mirallas plays for nobody but Kevin Mirallas! (Better off without him!)

James Marshall
138 Posted 06/02/2015 at 04:21:08
Fair play to him – he’s been with us what, 5 years? 4 maybe. Either way it’s fair enough to want to play at the top level – he states he’s happy for that to be Everton or someone else and wanting a change is up to him.

I never understand why people get so upset when a player says they want to leave. We’re the Evertonians, not them, they’re just footballers. We have a handful of actual Evertonians playing for us, in Hibbo, Osman and Barkley so what’s the big deal?

Of course he wants to play Champions League football, and if I was a player playing for a team in a foreign country that wasn’t making the top level, I’d want to play for one that was as well. La Liga is tempting and I’d want to do that as well.

Imagine you’re an Evertonian (OK you passed that bit) and you’re playing in say the Bundesliga for say, Schalke – you’re mid-table and not going to make the Champions League, you’ve been there 5 years... you’re 27... you have ambition. What do you do? Hang in there and hope for the best? Come off it, Everton are never going to make the CL via the league, we all know that in our heart of hearts – not anytime soon anyway – so you leave.

Footballers have a short career compared to us mere mortals and they can appear mercenary at times but Mirallas has given us some good years of his career so why begrudge him a move, a change of scenery? He’s doing it at a time when we can get some cash for him as well, rather than waiting another year and going for nothing so good luck to him.

People are so fickle – as soon as a player lacks a bit of form, or picks up some injuries, you want to discard them like old horses out for glue. Pienaar and Osman are two others who get loads of stick at the moment – for being injured! It’s a massive failing of football supporters in my view that they don’t back players when they struggle.

Hopefully we’ll win the Europa League and Mirallas stays on, signs the contract extension, then leaves when we fail to get out of the group stage the following season. I don’t think either of those things will happen by the way. He’ll leave in the summer with my best wishes.

Gavin Johnson
139 Posted 06/02/2015 at 05:07:07
We only signed Mirallas in the summer of 2012 James. He’s hardly been Goodison stalwart by any stretch of the imagination.
Brian Porter
140 Posted 06/02/2015 at 05:56:04
My respect for Kev is now at an all-time low. Why didn’t he say "I want CL football and I’m going to try and achieve it by helping Everton to win the Europa League?" He might not have meant it, but it would have made for a far better soundbite and brought him a much friendlier reception than his actual comments.

As has rightly been pointed out, he could have had regular CL football at Olympiakos (wow), so why come here, when we weren’t exactly CL material at the time? He obviously saw us as nothing more than a well paid gravy train, a stepping stone in his career. So, OK, let him step off the train, see how green the grass is at maybe Anderlecht, or Krasnodar etc.

Try and sign Lennon full time and add another decent winger in the summer. With two decent wingers feeding him, and Naisy or Ross in support, we might then see the best of Lukaku. Kev, old son, as far as the supporters of this great club are concerned, you’ve shot yourself in the foot and mouth!

James Marshall
141 Posted 06/02/2015 at 06:12:19
OK so he’ll have been here 3 years. I think the rest of my point stands up :)
Paul Andrews
142 Posted 06/02/2015 at 06:38:06
Force him into to the one-year option then sell him to the highest bidder.

He may well get a lower CL team to sign him, he would sit on the bench at Atletico though, Simeone would not accept him jumping out of tackles as he has done recently, the Palace game being the worst of all.

I would not play him in the game at the weekend, we should go with 3 in central midfield regardless. I would have played McCarthy with Barry and Besic, in a 4-3-3 dropping to a 4-5-1 at the right time. No Macca means Barkley in the 3.

If we go with a 4-2-3-1, we are in big trouble. Their whole game revolves around getting Sterling and Coutinho on the ball 30 m from goal. We need to stop that and Barry is not quick enough, an early yellow for Barry I think.

Rick Tarleton
143 Posted 06/02/2015 at 06:50:33
Mirallas is a good player, but he’s not consistent and flashes in and out of games. I never feel this man will give his all and will change a game, though I admit he has occasionally had a very good game.

As for Andy Cobham and all those players he lists, everyone of them was bought, not one is a "born" Evertonian. Players do a job in a place of work, mugs like me who’ve been watching and supporting Everton since we were in the Second Division are the loyal ones; the players managers, coaches, even directors come and go.

Peter Barry
144 Posted 06/02/2015 at 07:48:58
Injury prone Mirallas has been a inconsistent hit and miss player for Everton. He never gave 100% except for HIMSELF.
Chris James
145 Posted 06/02/2015 at 07:28:45
Players come, players go. Few are ’one club’ men now, even at the very highest level (Man Utd, Liverpool and Spurs have all lost their best players in recent years; Henry, RVP and Fabregas all left Arsenal).

The good news is that we know nice and early he’s not going to be here next season so we have plenty of time to work out how to replace his role and maximise the transfer value we get.

If it really exists, the extra year on the contract option strengthens our bargaining position in that we don’t HAVE to let him go for peanuts this summer, but we do nevertheless have to sell him and considering he’s in his prime and is scoring goals we’ve got to be thinking somewhere in the £12-15M bracket. If he’s anywhere near as in demand as he thinks he is, that shouldn’t be impossible.

I think we should also look to clear out a lot of other deadwood in the summer – eg:
Pienaar looks finished
Osman won’t play again
McGeady isn’t faintly good enough for our ambitions but can do a job somewhere else
Distin’s time has finally come, though he’s been a great servant (shame we couldn’t sell him to the Hammers and get something in January).

Together with Mirallas, that’s at least 5 out who rightly or wrongly would’ve been in or around the first team. And we’ll not get more than £1-2 million collectively aside from Mirallas, so let’s say somehow it’s £15M together into the pot + whatever is there naturally from all the extra TV money – £25M in total?

Where do we spend it?

i) Keeper – I don’t think Tim needs pushing out next year and Robles is looking better but we need a long-term replacement to Howard and this Norwegian guy for £5-6M looks a good option.

ii) Defence – Assuming Alcaraz stays and Browing + Alcaraz offer cover for the first choice backline of Jags + Stones then a centre back is still needed but not top priority. With Gabbutt and Oviedo the left flank behind Baines is covered, but right-back is still exposed without Coleman – Hibbo’s a good defender but not a wingback. So I’d suggest that’s a priority – another £5-6M likely.

iii) Forwards – Up front we could do with one more if the right option is available, annoyingly I’d say it’s an Eto’o type – someone with great control and nimble feet but with Lukaku, Nais and Kone again it’s not desperate. The real challenge is in the supply.

iv) I think we all realise that midfield is where the real money needs to go – with Pieenaar and Mirallas heading out, our wing situation is threadbare. McGeady has the necessary tools but can’t seem to bring them all together for us; Atsu hasn’t done anything yet to justify a move and Lennon is obviously totally unproven for us. One way or another we’re going to need 2 wide players which is going to cost.

Elsewhere, defensive mid should be good enough with Besic, McCarthy, Barry and Gibson but our creative playmaking options behind the front man are desperate. Barkley ’should’ be making this his own but has been the definition of inconsistency and for me he’s still a long way short of the real deal in terms of delivering end product in terms of assists, goals or even dangerous passes and shots on target. Osman is done and it appears so it Pienaar who is smart enough to play this role and ultimately we need an Arteta type. Again a decent creative mid won’t be cheap, probably looking £10M.

In summary, then, goodbye Kevin (and a number of others); hello, new attacking midfield trio and cover elsewhere if we have any cash left.

Ian Jones
146 Posted 06/02/2015 at 07:49:32
I think Mirallas joined us in preference to Arsenal when he was worried about how many games he would get there. Of course Arsenal would have him offered the chance to play in Champions League. Wonder if he has regrets.

And it would be good to win the Derby game without having to wish broken legs on the opposition players Just saying!

Paul Smith
147 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:02:12
Chris #147

I can’t make out from your post if you suggest Coleman needs replacing? If so, I’m confused as to why? Maybe I’m reading it wrong.

Peter Mills
148 Posted 06/02/2015 at 07:52:11
His timing – of interviews, penalties and passes – is not very good.
Chris James
149 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:39:26
Hey Paul, not at all saying Coleman needs replacing, saying we need a credible alternative/back-up if he’s injured/needs a rest.
Andy Codling
150 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:42:48
God luck to the lad but I just don’t see someone who plays well once every five games, as Champions League quality!
David Ellis
151 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:47:50
James Marshall 139 – well said. I agree entirely.

However, there is something about Mirallas I have never liked – he’s just too selfish on the pitch. (I have no problem with his ambition off the pitch, but I think he is nothing like as good as he thinks he is, and this too makes him look a bit of a prat.)

Dave Pritchard
152 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:50:12
Ian (148) re broken legs. 100% agree.

While I’m on a rant, I tire of the ’grow a pair’ and ’rip him a new one’ turns of phrase. Sorry, very grumpy this morning.

Sam Hoare
153 Posted 06/02/2015 at 09:22:19
Chris James, 147, I agree with your assessment. Two wingers and a creative central player could well be in order this Summer when Mirallas leaves. Perhaps Atsu and/or Lennon may fit the bill if they dazzle for the next 6 months. Either way there’s some spending to be done and our poor league position is not going to help the transfer kitty.

Bargains will be the order of the day so hopefully Martinez has got the next Valencia up his sleeve, or perhaps Deulofeu can be lured back for a reasonable fee given his struggles. It’s gonna be a busy Summer surely as Martinez needs to complete his overhaul and build a squad of able bodied players capable of taking us back up the table.

Tony Abrahams
154 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:10:43
Get a few points on the board Everton, then we can all concentrate on the Europa League. Win this cup and we qualify for the big one.

Thank Kev for his services, and his occasional flashes of brilliance, but inform him that the team requires more consistency and sell him to the highest bidder.

Len Hawkins
155 Posted 06/02/2015 at 10:57:52
Picture the scene, one of our best ever players packing his white boots into his bag with tears in his eyes and a feeling in his stomach like he has swallowed a canonball walking out of Goodison to Arsenal because The Cat could double his money.

Move on 40 years and a player not fit to lick those white boots thinks he is bigger than Everton FC. Tell me where you want to go Mirallas I’ll come and pick you up and drive you there NOW!

Anto Byrne
156 Posted 06/02/2015 at 11:26:02
Not losing sleep over Mirallas... I’m still upset after 40+ years losing Alan Ball. I remember opening the News of the World and it was the most devastating moment and I was inconsolable for weeks, months, years.

Saw him play at Soton and even there he was adored and admired. He has to be Everton’s greatest ever player, sorry Dixie (even if you did date my grandma back in 1926).

Daniel A Johnson
157 Posted 06/02/2015 at 13:13:25
GET RID!!!

He knows full well he needs to keep his nose clean after recent events and this is just him raising his middle finger to the fans and fellow team mates.

Its all very well saying all players want to play champions league football but Mirallas knows full well what these comments will do. It reopens a recent wound and just pours petrol on the fire.

An average player who when he can be arsed can play well, get rid while we can and get some coin. In 18 months time doubt we will ever mention him again.

Frank McGregor
158 Posted 06/02/2015 at 13:16:47
Get Rid at the best price possible, this player has an inflated opinion of his ability. Bad for dressing room moral.

Bill Shankly would have put him on the transfer list the next day under the old system.

Rick Tarleton
159 Posted 06/02/2015 at 13:51:14
Harry Catterick wouldn’t have waited till the next day.
Brian Hennessy
160 Posted 06/02/2015 at 14:39:51
Maybe Kev should have a chat with his curly haired Belgian team mate who also left us for Champions League football, that all worked out well for him did it not?
David Midgley
161 Posted 06/02/2015 at 14:51:27
WBA are supposedly incensed over Berahino’s comments in an unsanctioned interview with Sky Sports about bigger and better things and Pullis wants him out.

Can Everton’s players give interviews to anyone without the approval of the club about content?

Alan Bodell
162 Posted 06/02/2015 at 17:49:06
Len and Anto #158/9, so true you lads, Alan Ball my all time hero, saw those white boots flashing when I was early teens and still remember a wonderful goal he lashed in at the Gwladys Steet against the Redshite at a really impossible angle, FA Cup game.
Should show Â’SuperÂ’ the clip but I think his head doesnÂ’t see outwards.
Brian Wilkinson
163 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:41:06
Better leave the penalties and free kicks to Baines then in the Europa League... maybe then you might get just get your wish of Champions League football.
Mo Guindi
164 Posted 06/02/2015 at 18:59:20
IÂ’m sorry, maybe missed something but if youÂ’re not proud to play with for the Royal Blue shirt then please fuck off! loads of people slag off Ossie, Hippo and even Barks but at least they have blue blood in their veins. Please! letÂ’s just give a bit more respect to our players who love our club!
Colin Glassar
165 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:10:38
I think nowadays they can basically do, and say, what they want David. Back in the day theyÂ’d had been suspended, transfer listed or sent to Coventry. But that was when footballers were men and not overpaid, pampered twats like they are today. Thank you Marc Bosman.
Mo Guindi
166 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:14:59
There seems to be an Eveton disease that infects certain players who feel they have "outgrown" the club .... Be it Jeffers, Radzinski,Shrek or even Arteta (can even throw in Rodwell and Felllaini if you like) due to too much love being shown by the Goodison faithful. They then go on to other clubs where at best they are shown dour respect (Roonster) or fail to make the first team.. Can someone please explain why adoration seems to repel certain players?
Jamie Sweet
167 Posted 06/02/2015 at 19:29:53
Unfortunately for our Kev, the majority of Champions League teams like their players to be able to complete 90 minutes.
Rob Halligan
168 Posted 06/02/2015 at 20:41:55
Hey Kevin, I want Champions League football next season as well!! Think I should go and buy a season ticket for Chelsea or man city?
Michael Winstanley
171 Posted 06/02/2015 at 23:57:27
ItÂ’s just a glitch in the matrix. Apparently itÂ’s something to do when the machines change something, not sure how that works but lets hope they were fixing us for a win tomorrow?

With that in mind IÂ’m going for us to win 2-0 in unspectacular fashion.

Raymond Fox
172 Posted 06/02/2015 at 23:57:29
What's with all this CL nonsense, there's no way he will play for a team that has a realistic chance of progressing far in said comp.

He cost us 2 valuable pts. in a bid to self promote himself, presumably so he would be that little bit more attractive to a suitor!

That's what's off putting about football today, the majority of players have little club loyalty, I do realise its their profession but it still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when true supporters of the club are spending a small fortune each season, while these pampered over paid players are laughing all the way to their banks!
More fool us, I suppose.

Eric Myles
173 Posted 07/02/2015 at 00:36:40
Last season Mirallas was by far our best player until that stamp by ratface in the derby. He hasn't been the same since then.
Neil Pickering
174 Posted 07/02/2015 at 07:13:02
Bye Kevin, don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out!
Ian Hollingworth
175 Posted 07/02/2015 at 07:41:55
I am looking at this as an Evertonian and he is just a footballer. As an Evertonian, I say shut the door behind you lad.

KM as a footballer is looking at a pay day and a chance to further his career. I am more concerned about our board showing some of the same ambitions instead of treading water year on year.

Martyn Thickitt
176 Posted 07/02/2015 at 11:27:33
If he wants to go let him, how many players have done well after leaving The Blues? I challenge anyone to name five in recent memory.
Colin Glassar
177 Posted 07/02/2015 at 13:18:26
Mirallas is on £60k a week, Ericsson (Spurs) is on £32k a week. I know which player I’d prefer.

David Greenwood
178 Posted 07/02/2015 at 15:08:03
Kevin Mirallas, You could have been playing Champions League football at Goodison this season if you and your colleagues hadn't thrown away last seasons golden opportunity. A poor loss to Sunderland at Christmas (a win would have put us second on Christmas day)and then a feeble, feeble end to the season. And that's after being in pole position following a stunning performance against Arsenal with only a few games to go.

Third spot and Champions League is wide open this season Kevin, but for some reasons you and your colleagues have downed tools most of the season and its not going to happen through a league position. You still have a chance to get CL football for next season, win the Europa League.

And finally on you Kevin, perhaps if you had been fit more often, played more consistently when you have been fit, and played for the team rather than Kevin Mirallas FC, well who knows....

Eric Myles
179 Posted 08/02/2015 at 00:50:17
Depends on how you define 'done well' Martyn, Rooney Lescott, Rodwell, Arteta have all won gongs and earned a shedload of money, as has Materazzi along with a World Cup gong.

Carsley didn't do too bad for himself, or Fellaini, or Lineker and Ball (Alan). There was probably a few more in between as well.


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