English Premiership
Pienaar inks new Everton deal
2012-07-31 19:56
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana skipper Steven Pienaar has officially moved back to Everton after re-signing with the English Premiership side on Tuesday.
Everton said on their website that the South African midfielder had penned a four-year contract after the club agreed to a £4.5m (R58m) fee with Tottenham Hotspur.
"It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton," Pienaar said.
"There was no doubt in my mind that I would be back here.
"At the end of the season I told the manager how I felt and I am happy now it is all done."
Pienaar, 30, spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton, with his sparkling performances catching the eye of manager David Moyes as he scored four goals in 14 games.
He had originally joined Everton in July 2007 on loan from Borussia Dortmund before that deal was made permanent the following year.
He left Goodison Park for Spurs in January 2011 but returned to Merseyside 12 months later, with opportunities at White Hart Lane limited.
Everton said Pienaar would once again wear the No 22 jersey.