Restrained Roberto stays a man of few words
EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez refused to get involved in a war of words with predecessor David Moyes over the futures of Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.
Moyes, now manager at Manchester United, has suggested the careers of the pair could potentially be damaged if they are not allowed to move to Old Trafford.
Everton rejected a joint £28-million bid for left-back Baines and midfielder Fellaini as “derisory and insulting”.
Martinez said: “I think my comment is quite clear. If managers start talking about players who are registered at other clubs, that is the end of the whole thing.
“I think everyone should look after their own things internally.
“I am sure they have got many issues in the same manner and I could easily come out and give my opinions about these players, but I will be more respectful than that.
“Everyone has got a price (but) when you invest money in a player and five years later you get offered the same money after performing really well, that becomes a bit of a nonsense. The last thing I want is to get into a media war with a manager I really respect.”
Baines joined the Toffees from Wigan for £6million in 2007 with Fellaini arriving from Standard Liege for £15million the following year.
And Martinez certainly had no concerns about playing the pair against the Baggies.
He said: “They are true professionals.
“They are true ambassadors of Everton and they have been here for a long time and they know how to perform and give everything they have.”