Duo have shown fantastic professional attitude.
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Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised star duo Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini for the professional attitude they have both displayed amidst transfer wrangles with Manchester United for their signatures, Sky Sports reports.
Their former manager David Moyes, now at Manchester United, has seen a bid of £28 million for the pair knocked back by Martinez, an offer the club described as ‘derisory’.
But Martinez feels that the players have conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism throughout the whole affair.
“I couldn’t be prouder of their professionalism and the way they have been behaving,” he said.
“They are two great assets of the football club. I think they realise what they have done in the past and they are very respectful towards that.
“In the same manner, the way we have dealt with things is very transparent, very clear. We always communicate whatever is going on with the players.
“They understand as well that the start of the season is a vital time for us. The only worry now is to prepare for the games and be as right as they can on the pitch.
“That has been important for the group. Football is a team sport and the behaviour of every player really matters. They have been a real example towards that.”
United have intimated that they may return with a further offer for the pair, but Martinez has insisted that he will not be tempted to let them go, whatever price is offered.
“There is no temptation. In football you want to keep your best performers and that is where we are,” he added.
“You always get into a debate when there is a club that matches the valuation of a player. Then you need to make a decision.
“That has never been the case and where we are is we want to keep out most influential players and build from that.
“It has been well reported what the approach has been. We take it as a football compliment and move on. Now the focus has to be the games.”