Everton full-back Tony Hibbert has admitted he wants to finish his career at Goodison Park.
Defender eager to end career at Goodison after signing new deal
Everton full-back Tony Hibbert has admitted he wants to finish his career at Goodison Park.
The homegrown defender signed a two-year contract extension in the wake of the 2-0 derby win over Liverpool, committing himself to the Toffees until 2014.
That would take Hibbert past his 33rd birthday so after coming through the Everton academy he could retire as a one-club man.
The Huyton-raised right-back helped the club win the FA Youth Cup in 1998 before making his first-team debut against West Ham in March 2001.
"I have been here so long now and it is great to get another deal and extend that stay," he told the club's
official website.
"I always wanted to, and planned to, and I am just glad the club have asked me to stay longer.
"I would love to finish my career here. Everton is a big part of my life. I have been here since I was a kid and it is great for me and for my family to be given a couple more years on top of what I have already got.
Special time
"It has been a special time - it was great news for me to get a new contract and a derby win in the same week is just fantastic."
Hibbert is now the longest-serving player at Goodison Park and has made more European appearances than any other Everton player.
In all, the 29-year-old has so far made 257 appearances for the club but is yet to score for the first team.
Fellow academy graduate Leon Osman has also signed a two-year extension and Hibbert admitted he was delighted to see his friend agree a new deal too.
"It is nice to have been with the one club - you don't see it very often and it is nice for myself and Ossie," he added.
"We are two local lads who have come through the system and made good careers out of football and to stay with just the one club is special.
"We have been here together for a long time and I am delighted for him - he deserves it."
