Football
Mike Whalley 9y

Everton loanee Aaron Lennon promises to smile more in photographs

On-loan Everton winger Aaron Lennon has admitted that even his mother has told him he needs to smile more in photographs.

Lennon was widely mocked on social media because he looked so downbeat in all of the photographs of him released by the Toffees after he completed his temporary move from Tottenham on Feb. 2.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez jokingly blamed the pictures on Press Association photographer Peter Byrne, who took them on behalf of the club.

Lennon, who made his debut as a substitute for the final half-hour of Saturday's 0-0 draw against Liverpool, insists he is happy to be on Merseyside.

And the 27-year-old says he can deal with the ridicule that has come his way over the pictures.

He told British newspapers: "I've been getting a lot of stick about the photos.

"It's all good banter though, on Twitter, from the lads here and from my mates as well. It's good fun and I am happy to be here.

"I'm not the best with photos at any time to be honest. My mum tells me that all the time. The photos might have turned out that way but I am buzzing to be at Everton."

Lennon is set to play a part for Everton in the Premier League at Chelsea on Wednesday evening, and is aiming to get regular games after being frozen out at Tottenham by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The England international has made just three league starts since Pochettino arrived in the last close season, and before Saturday, had not played at all since Dec. 11.

He said: "It's been a tough year and something I've not been used to before.

"I've been used to playing week-in, week-out throughout my career and this has been the first season when I've not been involved so it's been tough to deal with that.

"To get the opportunity to come to Everton and play again is unbelievable.

"I've hardly played at all this season. He [Pochettino] hasn't really explained why I've been left out.

"He didn't say much at all, just that I could go when it came to the end of the window. A few clubs came in for me but as soon as I heard Everton were in, that was my only choice.

"Other than that, I probably wouldn't have left. As soon as the call came, I couldn't wait to get up the motorway."

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