England defender Phil Jagielka has pledged his immediate future to Everton, having been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.
The 28-year-old is grateful for the backing given to him by the Toffees during his battle back for a long-term knee injury and is more than happy to remain at Goodison Park.
He told the Sunday Times:"I'd like to think I'm grounded. I love playing football and I love being at Everton and I'm not going to try to bully my way into getting a transfer.
"I've always felt loyalty. I found it really hard to leave Sheff Utd. Here, I've been given a chance by a great club and hopefully playing here will lead to many more England appearances.
"Me and the gaffer spoke (about Arsenal) and he let me know where the land lay.
"I was more than happy with his explanation and I'd like to think the way I've played so far this season shows it's blatantly obvious that I'm happy to still be here.
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"When I got my injury, Everton kept a promise to give me a new contract and you don't forget things like that.
"It's been a fantastic three years and the players and myself are excited about the possibility we can do something this year."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email