Distin's Delight At New Deal

Defender explains why he was happy to sign a one-year extension.

Sylvain Distin says the feel-good factor currently surrounding Everton was a key factor in his decision to remain at Goodison Park.

It was announced on Thursday morning that the defender had signed a new one-year contract extension, lengthening his stay with the Blues until the summer of 2014.

Recent transfer window speculation had linked Distin with a move away from the Club, but the 35-year-old Frenchman was quick to stress he only ever had eyes on a longer stay on Merseyside.

“I’m happy here. It’s a great club – I’ve said that from day one,” he told evertontv. “I didn’t have any reason to leave and the Club wanted me to stay, so I’m happy that we could figure it out and that I’m staying for another season.

“It’s not only about football and it’s definitely not just about money. At my age it’s not the most important thing because you want to enjoy your life as well.

“That has happened to me at this Club – I’m happy and so are my family. There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room too.

“We work hard but it is great fun as well. For me that’s what I need because I want to enjoy my last few years of football.”

Despite his veteran status, Distin has been in imperious form this season, making 22 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

Arguably playing the best football of his Everton career, the former Manchester City and Portsmouth man is confident he can maintain his high standards and continue playing his part in a defence that has kept both Swansea City and Southampton at bay over the last fortnight.

“I feel good and I’m enjoying it. All I can do is keep working hard, try to keep as fit as possible and stay injury-free as well. I’m just enjoying my time, game after game,” Distin added.

“It’s a strange feeling because from my point of view we haven’t got enough clean sheets and it felt like we conceded a lot of goals.

“But yesterday I checked the stats and it seems like there are only two teams that have conceded less goals than us.

“I’m rarely happy after a game. I’m always thinking about the little mistakes I have done and not really about the positive things. We are having a great season but I always want more.”

Entering the last four months of the season, Everton are still fighting on two fronts, both in the Premier League and the FA Cup.

“Obviously if we finish the season as well as we normally do then we could do something great,” Distin added.

“The Premier League is a really tough league and you can’t expect just to win games. Every single game is a battle. We are going to give our best and see where we are at the end.

“I don’t want to talk too much about where we can finish because everyone knows we want to finish in the top-four and play in the Champions League.

“We will see if it is possible or not but, for sure, we will give our all and see where we are at the end of May.”

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Following this weekend's FA Cup tie, Everton return to Goodison Park with back-to-back home matches against West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Tickets are still available - to reserve your seat call 0871 663 1878, visit the Park End Box Office, Everton Two or the TicketQuarter, or buy online by clicking here.