MX23RW : Friday, December 20 09:47:16| >> :60:149:149:

Roberto Martinez: 'Nikica Jelavic needed first-team football'

Roberto Martinez explains why Nikica Jelavic left Everton for Hull City.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that Nikica Jelavic decided to join Hull City to get regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup.

The Croatian international completed his switch to the KC Stadium earlier today, with reports suggesting that the Tigers paid around £6.5m for his services.

"We agreed the deal and it was down to Nikica to make his decision," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

"I do believe when I spoke to Niki that he was clear that he wanted to join Hull. He felt he would get the opportunity to play the games he needs ahead of the World Cup."

Jelavic scored 21 goals in 69 appearances for the Toffees after joining from Rangers in January 2012.

ID:130666: cacheID:130666:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1354:
Written by
Michael Penkman
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manager Roberto Martinez of Everton looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on November 9, 2013
Read Next:
Martinez seeks Jelavic replacement
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Broncos
27-34
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!