Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who made his 300th appearance for the Toffees against Fulham on Saturday, expressed his delight on reaching the landmark.
The 30-year old English footballer joined the Everton Academy as a young boy and played a part in the club’s 1998 FA Youth Cup triumph. He made his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 2004 and scored within the first three minutes
of the game. In total, he has netted 42 goals for the Toffees over the span of ten years.
Upon completing his triple century of games for Everton, Osman revealed his happiness over reaching the milestone, and vowed to continue playing for the Merseyside team for as long as he can.
While talking to reporters, he said: “It felt special to play my 300th game. I’ve got some great memories.”
The Englishman, who has also played on loan for Carlisle United and Derby County, indicated that he has always tried to fit in the plans of his manager and expressed his resolve to contribute in any manner for Everton.
“He put me out on loan, but brought me back quickly and since I made my first start, I seem to have been part of things.” He added.
The midfielder’s special day became even more joyous as he helped his side secure a comfortable 4-0 win against the Cottagers at the Goodison Park. The Toffees in-form Croatian striker, Nikica Jelavic fired two goals during the game and Osman admitted that
the club’s January signings have made an enormous impact at Merseyside.
Everton bought Jelavic and Darron Gibson on permanent contracts and also signed Steven Pienaar on-loan from Tottenham Hotspur for a six month spell. Since then, the Toffees have witnessed a remarkable uplift in their Premier League campaign, and are currently
lying at the seventh place in the table, two points clear of their Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
Osman said, “It was a great January transfer window for us. The players that came in to the squad have all added something to us, and we definitely improved. Now we can finish the season off well, and look forward to next season.”