Distin keen to stay at Everton

Everton defender Sylvain Distin – whose contract is due to expire in the summer – has indicated his desire to remain in the Premier League.

The 35-year-old started the club’s first four matches of the campaign, but has been an intermittent part of the side ever since.

And after beginning the past three matches for David Moyes’ team, the Frenchman conceded that while he hates being on the bench, it has made him realise that he is not ready for retirement or a move to another league.

“Being on the bench, I didn’t like it and I think it’s my longest spell on the bench since I started football,” he told EvertonTV.

“I did hate it but I did try to take the positives out of it and it made me realise that I’m not ready to stop at all.

“I’m not ready to be on the bench at all and that’s a good thing.

“I’m working hard every day not to be on the bench, but we have four great centre-backs.

“We have an England international (Phil Jagielka), a Dutch international who played in the final of the World Cup (John Heitinga) and then you have me and (Shane) Duffy.

“It’s tough competition but it is healthy competition. We enjoy playing with each other and there is no tension between us.

“This can only make us better and we know that we have to perform week in and week out, otherwise there will be another two players who will be picked.”

Distin said he remained committed to staying in England and doing his best for Everton.

“The reason I am in England is to play against the best strikers and I would rather have those kind of challenges every week rather than play in a league where I don’t enjoy my football,” he said.

“I know it is difficult but that is what makes football magic for me.”