MIKEL ARTETA had a double reason for celebration today after team-mates and supporters gave his efforts this season the seal of approval.
The Everton midfielder, who has created such an impression since his £2.5m arrival from Real Sociedad, walked away from a lavish awards ceremony at Goodison Park last night with both the Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year titles..
Though he has spent recent weeks trying to recover from injury, Arteta was in high spirits and took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the Blues.
"This is the best team I have ever trained with and I am really proud to play for this football club," said Arteta, who is desperate to be involved in Sunday's final match against West Brom.
"It has been a good season for me. I had experience of playing in Scotland so it made things easier for me. But I really need to say thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity to come here. I feel really comfortable in the city."
Arteta was presented with the Player of the Year award by Peter Reid, who also received recognition by becoming an Everton Giant.
Reid, a class midfielder himself, has been impressed by what he has seen of the Spaniard.
"To be Player of the Year, you have to have a lot of qualities and he has impressed me with his ability on the ball," said Reid. "Sometimes when you go into tackles, you have to be brave. But you have to be brave to have the ball at your feet and Mikel has got great strength in possession."
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