tonyh Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/nov/18/mikel-arteta-knee-surgery-everton Mikel Arteta has offered Everton consolation over his delayed recovery from knee surgery by saying the ordeal has brought a realisation he should end his career at Goodison Park. The Spanish midfielder has been out since rupturing a cruciate ligament at Newcastle United in February and has postponed two scheduled returns because of complications that have required further surgery. Arteta underwent a third operation on his knee a fortnight ago after contracting an infection and is reluctant to set a third date for a comeback while he recuperates at home in Spain. A nine-month absence, however, has given the 27-year-old perspective on his status at Everton and heightened his desire to extend his four-year stay on Merseyside. "I think when you are away and you look at things – not just as a professional, as a footballer, but as a person – you realise you have got good people around you," he said. "It is not easy to find that in football. I have been in other football clubs and I'm telling you this is a special one. People say we are a family – we really are. We really are different and we really do things differently from other clubs." The former Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, Rangers and Real Sociedad player added: "You never know how long you are going to spend with a club, but what I can say is that I can see myself finishing my career at Everton. That wouldn't surprise me at all. "The papers say, 'Mikel wants to go back to Spain soon'. That is not true, I never said that. They say would you like to come one day, probably I would like that but maybe I am going to stay for another seven years. I would like to win a trophy with the club. We have got the potential to do it." Arteta's influence on David Moyes's team has been sorely missed and, while Everton are hopeful he will return in January, the midfielder admits he cannot put an accurate timescale on his recovery. "It has been a hard period for me but sometimes you can avoid problems and sometimes you have to take it the way it comes," he added. "There was no explanation for the infection. They have had three cases like that in 35 years and the surgeon does thousands of operations a year. "The surgeon and the medical staff at the club don't want to talk about time, because there is no point. The only worry is to get my knee fixed properly and to get it fixed for the next seven or eight years of my career. That is my only aim. I want to be playing as soon as possible; but only as soon as my knee says I am ready to do it, because there is no point risking it. I have had three operations and I need to take it carefully." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamsmith69 Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 It is everywere this news, even the official site has it. Follow Follow Follow.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iMac Hunt Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 Good on ye Teta lad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 Makes you feel all warm inside . Great to hear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 That didn't half make me smile . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troy8 Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 You're the man Mikel, get well soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Churinga2 Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrews Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 The best little Spaniard we know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonKey Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 I just did a little sex wee... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigb Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Its great init, but never take any footballers world as gospel, especially in this day and age when big money talks. But im relatively happy with his comments, it should act well on the team too, who know hes one of our best players Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 i cant wait to see him back and im looking forward to become one of our all time greats, which he has the potential to be. also cant wait to see him in midfield with Pienaar and Billy. With Nev/Rodwell holding the midfield... exciting prospects!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 i cant wait to see him back and im looking forward to become one of our all time greats, which he has the potential to be. also cant wait to see him in midfield with Pienaar and Billy. With Nev/Rodwell holding the midfield... exciting prospects!!! Not sure theres a place for Rodwell when Phil comes back, would rather play a more attack minded player upfield a bit, Cahill, Osman, or Fellaini. Non have been setting the world on fire but i'm sure they would all prosper with a fully fit squad. Rodders needs to to be brought along at a slower pace. IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Not sure theres a place for Rodwell when Phil comes back, would rather play a more attack minded player upfield a bit, Cahill, Osman, or Fellaini. Non have been setting the world on fire but i'm sure they would all prosper with a fully fit squad. Rodders needs to to be brought along at a slower pace. IMO. completely agree which is why i put a / between them (one or the other!). I still think Rodwell will get a fair few games though this season. Either way, its a midfield to be excited about! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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