Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has finally commented on the rumours that linked him with a move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
Pickford has established himself as one of the best keepers in the Premier League over the course of the past two seasons, initially making a name for himself by producing a series of fine performances for Sunderland in 2016/17. Even though the Black Cats were relegated from the top-flight during that season, the young keeper did enough to convince the Everton hierarchy to swoop for him during the summer of 2017.
Following Joe Hart’s fall from grace last season, England manager Gareth Southgate entrusted Pickford with the first-choice goalkeeping duties for the Three Lions during the 2018 World Cup. Prior to the tournament, many pundits and fans had been skeptical over Southgate’s decision to employ Pickford as his number one, especially as Jack Butland offered a more experienced option behind the sticks.
In the end, Pickford ended up impressing in Russia, especially during England’s penalty shoot-out victory over Colombia. This led to him being linked with a summer move to Chelsea after the Blues parted ways with former first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois, who has since joined Real Madrid.
After months of relative silence on the rumours that suggested he was on his way to Stamford Bridge, Pickford has spoken out about his decision to stay on Merseyside.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, he said: “I think you see it all over, on Twitter or Sky Sports. I don’t let interest affect me or my performances. have a contract with Everton. I worked hard with England and then I came back here and it’s all about Everton.”
