Everton

Everton boss Roberto Martinez: 'Kevin Mirallas is being picked on'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 09 February 2015

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists that there is no "issue" with Kevin Mirallas, despite the player recently suggesting that he is considering leaving the club.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that he has no "issue" with Kevin Mirallas, despite the Belgian suggesting that he is open to leaving the Merseyside outfit.

Questions over Mirallas's future rose when he appeared to break team protocol by taking a penalty off Leighton Baines in Everton's goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion last month.

Last week, the 27-year-old revealed that he is "ready for a new challenge", but Martinez has no concerns about the player's commitment to the team.

"I haven't got an issue so long as the player is not disrespectful to his team," The Express quotes Martinez as saying. "As long as the player gives everything he has got in training, in games, I haven't got an issue.

"It seems like we want to pick on Kevin Mirallas because he missed a penalty against West Brom. Now because [reports say that] he says he wants to leave we are picking on him.

"He did something so terrible taking the penalty - I would tell you if there was an issue. There isn't an issue. He is under contract."

Mirallas has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.