Sporting Lisbon star Joao Moutinho claims that he shunned a move to Everton.
Sporting captain happy to stay
Sporting Lisbon star Joao Moutinho claims that he shunned a move to Everton.
The Toffees chased the Portugal international for most of the summer, but they could not finalise a deal.
It was believed that Sporting's asking price of £20million was the main stumbling block - but Moutinho has himself confirmed he shunned a switch to Goodison Park.
"It's true I was interested in going to Everton, but I didn't accept the offer," Moutinho is quoted in
The Daily Telegraph.
The midfield ace added that he may consider a move to the Premier League next year.
"But who knows what might happen next season in terms of playing in England?" he said.
Also speaking in Portugal, Moutinho insisted that he was fully committed to Sporting.
"I will give everything to Sporting, staying was good for me and the club," added Moutinho - who is Sporting's captain.
"We have an excellent team, we are strong mature and want to continue to progress."
Team-mate Miguel Veloso, who like Moutinho has been constantly linked with a move away from the club over the past 12 months, again stressed his commitment to the cause.
"I never thought about another club, I have a contract until 2013 and my body and soul is with Sporting," he said.
