Martinez: We want to allow Osman to have a big say for us in seasons to come
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been full of praise for long standing Everton midfielder Leon Osman as he races towards the 400 appearance mark.
Martinez said veteran Ossie who is on 399 appearances for Everton, can set an example for the youngsters and can have a big impact on Everton this season and in seasons to come.
“I’m sure people know the names of the other players who have reached 400 appearances – there are not many from the modern era,” he explained. “It is so difficult to find such a loyal footballer who can also cope with the demands of the modern game.
“Leon has created some incredible moments for Everton. We are extremely proud of him and we want to allow him to have a big say this season and in seasons to come. We also know he is going to be an incredible example for the club and for the youngsters to follow because he is someone who knows how to face adversity and go on to have a big role here.
“It’s a special year for Leon with it being his testimonial year. All of these landmarks represent, and give an insight into, what an incredible career he is having.”
“It is hard [to imagine] because in the modern game, it is very, very difficult to get that kind of loyalty.
“You need to swim against the current because there are so many forces taking you away from spending 10 years at one football club.
“I think Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert are two big pillars for us in the way they have come through the Academy, devoted their careers to the Club and they are true Evertonians.”
How big an achievement is 400 appearances for a club in the modern era? Comment below or have your say in our dedicated Leon Osman thread: https://www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum/threads/leon-osman.20878/
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