SIGN OF THE CROSSROADS
Pickford says his new deal shows faith in Everton’s mission to become a Champions League side
JORDAN PICKFORD is targeting Champions League football with Everton.
The goalkeeper, who signed a new six-year deal this week, believes the Toffees are capable of hitting the big time.
And if they can grab a domestic trophy en route, all the better.
“As a club you want to be up there and I think you have to be ambitious and want to be hitting the Champions League,” he said.
“It will be a difficult road to get there but it’s something we would want as a club.
“Personally I want to keep learning and getting better. But collectively as a group of lads we want some silverware, whether that is League Cup, FA Cup or whatever that will be.
“We also want to be finishing higher up the table. We finished eighth last season and that wasn’t such a good season for Everton.
“We want to be top six or top seven this season.
“That is going to take a lot of hard work but we’re willing to put in as a group of lads.”
Pickford’s new £80,000-aweek contract will keep him at Goodison until 2024.
And if he can maintain the progress which has seen him nail down the position as England’s No.1 and reach a World Cup semi-final in the last 12 months then Everton’s future will be bright.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a year and a big leap for me,” said Pickford.
“By getting this contract signed we can put it to bed and focus on becoming even better. I will always be learning and keep getting better so it is about that and keeping putting in top performances.”
Pickford attracted the attention of Chelsea among others with his World Cup heroics but maintained he never thought of leaving.
“You see it all over Twitter or Sky Sports but I don’t let it affect my performances,” he added. “I just knuckled down and knew I had a contract with Everton.
“I just worked hard when I was away with England and, even with the new manager coming in at Everton, it was all about England at the time.
“But when I came back here it was all about getting back to work with Everton.”