Unless you haven’t been paying attention to Everton related news over the last 24 hours, you may have read that former Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has announced his retirement from professional football.
The former South Africa international enjoyed a successful career, having played for a number of big clubs in his career, namely with Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham, as well as Everton.
Twitter: It’s been an amazing ride made more special by you, the fans. Thank You. It’s been an honour.
https://t.co/qsy4bZCLjT (@therealstevenpi)
Pienaar first joined Everton on loan in 2007 from German outfit Dortmund, before joining permanently the following season for £2million, penning a three-year deal.
In January 2011, the former South Africa captain joined Tottenham, but returned to Goodison on loan just 12 months later, before signing permanently again the following summer, earning himself the distinction as the only player to officially sign for Everton as a player on four separate occasions.
Pienaar finally left Everton for good in 2016 following the expiry of his contract, where he then linked up with David Moyes at Sunderland.
As well as being a fan favourite among Evertonians, Pienaar established himself at Everton as an integral part of Moyes’ squad.
Famed for his “Bainaar” partnership with Leighton Baines, the two left-sided player struck up an almost telepathic connection for Everton – something that has yet to be replicated by any such team in the Premier League.
In total, Everton’s Player of the Season for the 2009/10 season played 229 times for Everton across all competitions, scoring 24 goals.
We at Read Everton wish Steven Pienaar all the very best on his retirement.
