Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said Everton is a "special club" to him and the "dark days are behind us" after signing a new deal. The 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract to extend his long stay with the Toffees to 2029. Since joining from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has made 326 appearances for Everton in all competitions.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said Everton is a "special club" to him and the "dark days are behind us" after signing a new deal.
The 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract to extend his long stay with the Toffees to 2029.
Since joining from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has made 326 appearances for Everton in all competitions.
"I'm delighted," he told club media. "Delighted to get it done – it's an extra two years, so four years in total.
"I'm over the moon and it gives me the opportunity to build a legacy for myself here, move forward and build this club to where we want to be.
"Everton is a really special club to me. Coming from Sunderland as a young lad and growing into a man here, it's been a special time for me and my family.
"It's always felt like a natural fit for me, with the fans and the passion – it's second to none and something I thrive off.
"It's been a mega journey so far."
The England number one has been a key figure for the Merseyside club in recent seasons as they battled against relegation and financial difficulties, but now feels the club is heading in the right direction.
"I think the dark days are behind us and it's about building that momentum as a team and the club now," Pickford added. "I think it's the whole deal, really.
"The new owners have come in and have shown they want to move us forward, the manager since he has come in has shown that, too, and us as players on the pitch.
"We've started well and we want to keep building that momentum and get Everton Football Club back to a team that competes in Europe. We know it's tough to do but it's a journey we want to go on and it's hard work that we'll put in as a club.
"We want to have that direction and, hopefully, one day we'll lift some silverware as well."
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Category: General Sports
