Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steven Pienaar has revealed the drama surrounding his eleventh-hour loan move back to Everton.
The South Africa international secured a deadline-day switch to his former club after last-minute talks with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.
The winger said clinching a move away was his top priority, but also claims he would have fought hard for an opportunity at Spurs he if had been forced to stay.
“I was at a game and I was on the bench,” he told Sky Sports, referring to Spurs’ 3-1 victory over Wigan on Tuesday.
“After the game I went to see the gaffer to ask him if it was possible I could go somewhere because I need to play some football.
“At first he said no, I can’t go. It was the most stressful moment.”
“I had to push him to get him to say yes, and eventually it happened just 10 minutes before time.”
“I was watching the game and wanting to get on, but in the meantime I was watching the clock and hoping it would slow down a little.”
Pienaar will now begin his second stint at Goodison Park under David Moyes, having made 104 league times for the club between 2007 and 2011.
“I’m just happy to get the opportunity to play some football again,” he said.
“I will make sure I fight for my place in the team and hopefully help the club get a European spot.”
“I just feel excited to be back and hopefully I can make the most of it and hopefully it will be a successful time.”
“It was touch and go, but to be honest if it hadn’t gone through I would have still pushed for my place there (Spurs) because I’m a professional.”
“It happened, I’ve got the opportunity to come back and play football for this great club. I’m happy and looking forward to the next few months.”
Pienaar is in line to face Wigan for the second match in succession on Saturday, as Everton travel to the DW Stadium for their next fixture.
