New Deal For Distin

Defender pens new one-year contract with Blues

Sylvain Distin has signed a new one-year contract with Everton that will keep him at Goodison Park for the 2012/13 season.

The French defender’s existing deal expired this summer but the Blues have taken up an option to extend it for another campaign.

Distin has been a great servant to the Club and is the current Players’ Players of the Season following his efforts last term.

The 34-year-old said he was delighted to be taking his Everton career into a fourth campaign.

He said: "I am really happy it is done and I can go on holiday now and relax. I was always confident but you never know.

"Sometimes it can take a little longer than expected but it is done now and I am really happy to be staying for another season.

"From my side there was never any issue and I said from day one that I wanted to stay. The Club also made me understand that they wanted me to stay and that is why we were talking about my contract.

"As I said, it maybe took a bit longer than expected, but the most important thing is that it is done now, I really wanted it and I am really happy."

The vastly-experienced centre-half has made 115 appearances since signing from Portsmouth three years ago.

Next season will see him turn 35, but he is not even thinking about a time when he is not playing football.

"I want to go as long as possible," he added. "I think you'll have to kick me out!"