Heitinga happy to stay at Everton

Last updated : 18 May 2011 By BBC Sport

He said: "I'm happy here at Everton and I'm looking forward to next season and getting into Europe with them.

"I miss playing in Europe because that's the highest level you can play as a footballer. Hopefully I can reach that with Everton next season."

Despite suffering from niggling injuries Heitinga has made 30 appearances for the Toffees this season and he says the Premier League is the best place to play football.

"For me the Premier League is the best league in the world because I've played in the Spanish league as well," the 27-year-old told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"There are so many good players in the Premier League it's hard to win games here so you have to fight for it. That's why this league is the top level after international football."

After a much publicised poor start to the season Everton need a point from Sunday's final day clash with Chelsea at Goodison Park to guarantee seventh place, one place higher than last season.

Heitinga says he hopes the Blues will add to the squad in the summer, but says any players coming in need to have the right characteristics.

"Not everybody can play for Everton because Everton is a club of tradition and you have to show your spirit," Heitinga continued.

"I think we have a few big names in our squad. Maybe we need a few new players but that's a hard decision for me to make."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport