Football
ESPN staff 10y

Martinez pens new Everton deal

#INSERT type:image caption:Roberto Martinez arrived at Everton from Wigan last summer. END#

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

- Martinez closing in on transfer targets

Martinez arrived at Goodison Park from Wigan Athletic last summer, penning a four-year deal.

And following an impressive debut campaign, which saw the club finish fifth in the Premier League, the Toffees have opted to reward the Spaniard by tying him down until 2019.

Everton confirmed the news via their official Twitter account on Thursday night.

Martinez, who is currently working for ESPN at the World Cup in Brazil, told Everton's official website: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a further commitment to Everton. I loved my first season at the club. I could not be more proud of the way Everton performed throughout the entire season and the memories we were able to make together.

"I am really excited about next season. I knew from the moment I arrived at Everton that this was a special place and I'd like to thank everyone associated with the club, the board, all the staff, the players and our brilliant supporters for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to build on the traditions and success of this great club."

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright added: "In many commentators' eyes, Roberto Martinez is the best young manager in Europe. We agree. He took on an unfamiliar challenge for most managers; to take something really good and make it even better.

"He has succeeded. In his debut season he broke our Premier League record points haul, got us back into Europe and developed some of the most exciting young footballers in the game. He conducts himself off the pitch in the same way. He undertakes his business with great style, confidence, positivity and class. He is an Everton man.

"There is no magical ingredient to what we do at Everton. We're a football club and we recognise the fundamental importance of our manager. And, when we find our man, we empower him. We support and provide him with everything at our disposal. We commit to our managers, and we're immensely pleased that Roberto has committed to us.

"We want the best because only the best will do. Unswervingly, we trust Roberto Martinez to take our club forward. To use one of his favourite words we are 'excited' about our future. We have Roberto at the helm. Solo lo mejor!"

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