Ferrari frustration over ruined season

Matteo Ferrari has revealed his bitter frustrations over the loan season at Everton, which has been ruined by injuries.

Now the 27-year-old Roma defender wants to extend his stay at the club to prove he is a Premiership player.

Ferrari’s decision to either extend his loan for another season or have a permanent move could have far-reaching consequences for veteran colleagues David Weir and Alan Stubbs as boss David Moyes considers whether to offer either of them new contracts when their current deals end in the summer.

If Ferrari stays on it could mean one of the two current centre-backs not being offered a new deal, particularly as Nigerian star Joseph Yobo has also hinted he may sign the new contract which has been on the table for a year, and turn his back on a possible move to Arsenal.

Ferrari’s change of heart, after his advisors suggested mid-season he was struggling to settle on Merseyside, will please Moyes as he plans for next season.

Ferrari explained: “We don’t have many games left to play but I would like to play as often as possible to show what my game is all about.

“I just want to make it clear to all those people that have shown confidence in me that I am a good player.

“It has been a frustrating season because as a player to give the best of yourself you just need to play four or five games in a row.

“But for a number of reasons, mainly because of injuries, I have not had the chance to show what I am fully capable of as a player.

“It has been an unfortunate season. Over the last five seasons I have played the vast majority of games for the clubs I have been playing for.

“This is the first time I have not been able to play because of injuries and that has been upsetting.

“I needed a few months to adapt but after that I felt I settled very well in England and enjoyed the games I played in.

“I have also enjoyed the English way of life and living in Liverpool. For this reason it is upsetting that the injuries happened in the wrong moment for me.”

He continued: “If Everton want me or just want to extend my loan for another season I think it is time to start to think about that.

“I would like to know where I will play next season. The only thing I know for 100% is that I have a contract with Roma and if nothing happens then I will go back.

“The main issue is that I would like to prove I am a Premiership player. I have not really had this chance so I would like to have next season as well.”

Ferrari has only played 13 games this term, with ankle and hamstring problems severely disrupting his campaign.

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Lee Carsley has appealed to the FA against the red card he received during Monday’s 3-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The 32-year-old was sent off by referee Rob Styles for a challenge on Didier Drogba.

Moyes was disappointed with a number of refereeing decision during the game, including the red card for Carsley.

And chief executive Keith Wyness told the club’s official website, www.evertonfc.com: “David felt the decision to send off Lee Carsley was unjustified and we fully support those sentiments.”