England defender Phil Jagielka signs new Everton deal

Phil Jagielka Everton

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Everton and England defender Phil Jagielka has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2018.

The Toffees skipper has been on Merseyside for eight years and is delighted to have committed himself to the cause for what is likely to be the final big contract of his career.

Jagielka turns 33 in August and he is happy that the club and boss Roberto Martinez have shown their faith in him.

“It’s always nice to feel wanted,” he told the club website. “Being rewarded with the extra year gives me that motivation to keep striving to get better and to keep going for as long as possible.”

Jagielka admitted that negotiations on his extended deal were not exactly protracted.

“It wasn’t the longest negotiations ever – it only took a couple of minutes rather than hours. I love it here, I want to stay here and thankfully enough the club felt the same,” he said.

Jagielka has 36 England caps on his CV and his Everton boss is pleased that last season’s player of the year has reaffirmed his commitment to the cause.

“It’s great news that Phil is extending his relationship with the club. He has excelled as a leader and as a captain of our football club for the last two seasons,” said Martinez.

Everton endured a tough time in the Premier League last season as they attempted to balance domestic interest against a Europa League campaign. After finishing the season strongly, they will be hoping to hit the ground running in August.

They begin at home to promoted Watford and are currently priced 1.73 in the match betting.

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