Thierry Henry, Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit, has had his say on the situation involving Everton centre-back John Stones and the ongoing transfer pursuit from Chelsea this summer.
Stones handed in a transfer request on Tuesday before training with the Toffees in an attempt to force through a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Merseyside outfit are set to reject any offers from Chelsea and he therefore looks set to remain at Goodison Park for the 2015-16 season.
The 21-year-old has started all of Everton’s games so far this term – including the Capital One Cup trip to Barnsley just 24 hours after reports claimed he’d told his Roberto Martinez, his manager, that he’d like to leave – in what is a great show of maturity from the promising England defender.
And Henry believes that Stones’ attitude in the wake of his apparent request is admirable, comparing his behaviour to that of West Bromwich Albion striker who wants out of the Hawthorns and is refusing to play for the club.
“It’s not an easy situation. Did he ask to leave or didn’t he? We will never know,” Henry was quoted by Sky Sports.
“You see the likes of Berahino not even going on the field, but whatever his choice is, he’s going out there. He played against Barnsley [in the Capital One Cup] for the whole game and he had the same desire that he showed today.
“The same way he’s brave on the ball, the same way he defends. He’s going out there and trying to help Everton throughout all the stuff that’s happening around him, so fair play to him.”
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