Leighton Baines says Everton will go into the 2019-20 season riding a wave of optimism and determined to achieve success after the left-back extended his Goodison Park stay to a 13th year.
Baines has put pen to paper on a fresh 12-month deal – Marco Silva declaring it was “vital” to keep a player who is “part of the fabric of the Club and a top-class professional” – and spelled out his ambition to help Everton pursue success following their impressive end to last term.
The 34-year-old joined from Wigan Athletic 12 years ago and has played 411 matches for the Club, a record for an Everton full-back.
And he draws as much pride from committing to Everton today as he did when first signing in summer 2007.
“You do, as you get older you realise the work you need to do to sustain the level required by the Club,” Baines told evertontv.
“And to be judged to be at that level in the later stages of your career is testament to the work you do.
“You take pride in it all.
“When you look at the back end of last season and how well we played and the results we picked up against some good teams it gives us plenty of optimism going into this season.
“We are confident about what we can do and striving to achieve success.”
Baines was restricted to eight appearances in all competitions last term by the immaculate form of player-of-the-season Lucas Digne.
Manager Silva nevertheless routinely spoke publicly of his admiration for the former England defender.
And Baines revealed a similar message had been relayed in conversations between the pair.
Moreover, Baines insists he is deeply impressed by the “vision and direction” employed by Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands since the duo arrived last summer.
“I had a couple of conversations with the manager and he reiterated those things [Silva’s faith in Baines’s ability] and gave me the belief that it wasn’t only words to the media – it was things he meant,” said Baines.
“It was always in my mind to stay because of talks I’ve had with the manager and Marcel.
“I have had numerous conversations with Marcel and I spent more time with him and got to know more about him towards the back end of last season and during the off-season.
“And I became more and more impressed with him from having that one-on-one time and understanding his vision and the direction he’s trying to take the Club.
“That gives you more optimism about where the Club is headed.
“It was nice to hear what the manager said about me, because he was someone new coming in and I am further on in my career.
“It is good to have those challenges and you are always pushed to prove yourself.
“I try to do that every day, I take my responsibilities seriously. And whether I am in the starting XI or not, I am going to do the same things day in, day out, in case I am called upon.”
Baines stands third in Everton’s list of Premier League appearance makers on 340, 12 behind Leon Osman and a further two adrift of former goalkeeper Tim Howard.
And with such longevity of service an increasingly rare commodity, the player values the bond he has formed with the Club and its supporters.
He also insists he will continue to breathe down Digne’s neck in pursuit of a spot in Silva’s team.
“It is a new challenge for me in terms of the fact I have not played as much football as I have been used to,” added Baines.
“But I have also not lost sight of the fact I have been very lucky to play the amount of football I have during my career.
“I appreciate what I have had and will keep working for whatever I can get.
“But working under the manager and in those new circumstances has been good.
“From my point of view, my relationship with the Club and fans has been healthy pretty much the whole time I have been here.
“It is never completely smooth sailing and you never expect it to be in a job like this.
“But I have felt really well supported by the Club and fans throughout my time here.
“And that support is not something I never take for granted.”
