Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that he is willing to extend his stay at Everton.
Iwobi, who was criticized for his play and performances in the past two seasons at Everton, has finally found his form back under former Chelsea Boss Frank Lampard. The former Arsenal man has had a resurgence playing an important role in the Toffees’ survival charge.
So far this term, the 26-year-old has cemented his place in Lampard’s team at Goodison Park and continues to play a key role in their games.
The Nigeria international has featured prominently in midfield this season providing six assists in 15 games for Everton.
For his excellent displays in recent weeks, the Premier League club have opened contract talks with Iwobi in order to sign an extension beyond 2024 when his contract expires and he insists that he is willing to commit his future to the club.
“I want to win as many things as I can with this club,” Iwobi told Liverpool Echo.
“That is why I came here, the club was very ambitious and it still is. I’d like to stay.
Iwobi also admitted that he was not trusted by former manager Rafa Benitez.
“He (Benitez) said to me, ‘I know it must be hard with the fans getting on your back, but that’s how football is’,” said Iwobi in an interview with iNews.
“It felt like everyone wanted me to go. They said, ‘If you want to play football, you would be better off on loan’.
“It was like, ‘You are not in our plans, try to prove yourself elsewhere’. I said I would rather take my chances and stay. I felt I had something to give and wanted to show my ability.
“The supporters were probably thinking. We are better off getting someone who can do the job’. I was told in the past I wasn’t good enough. When I hear that it motivates me to try to prove my point.”
Iwobi featured in Everton’s latest Premier League outing against Leicester City where they lost 2-0 at home.
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
