Football News
Heit of stupidity? Toffees star shoots mouth off again
Everton’s Dutch star Johnny Heitinga has again spoken out about his ambitions to play at a higher level than the Toffees are currently at.
Heitinga, who impressed in midfield and defense during his first season at Goodison Park, took time out from preparing for the World Cup to tell voetbalzone.nl that he would leave Everton “on a bicycle with a large flag” if Barcelona came in for him.
Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman have all recently signed new long-term contracts but David Moyes is rumoured to have privately admitted that he’s resigned to losing a couple of key players this summer and, given his recent comments, Heitinga – who cost £6m from Atletico Madrid last summer – could be part of an unwanted Everton exodus alongside the likes of Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta, although it would take a figure in excess of £20m for Moyes to consider losing the Spaniard.
Heitinga said: "I have no next employer in my head, but I would still like to reach the top. The chance that I could go to Liverpool is certainly very small but joining another English club seems nice.
"And if Barcelona comes, I'd go on a bicycle with a large flag to get there.
"There is a return to Ajax also in the planning, but it should be no farewell tour. I would come back to win some more, otherwise it makes no sense."
On Tuesday, telegraaf.nl reported Heitinga as saying: "Of course I hear left and right [about transfers] sometimes. But there is still nothing concrete.
“City has ambition and I am open to a big club. But I have a four year contract which is well paid so I will focus on Everton. I really like it there.”