Does Kevin Mirallas' latest comments suggest he is staying at Everton?

Kevin Mirallas could well be staying at Everton after all if his latest comments are anything to go by.

Mirallas fuelled talk of a summer exit in January when he spoke about his desire to play in the Champions League and said he was "ready for a new challenge".

He was linked with a move to Tottenham and Atletico Madrid during the winter transfer window, while some further reports suggesting he could be involved in a swap deal involving Aaron Lennon at the end of the season.

If that wasn't bad enough, his penalty faux-pas against West Brom painted an image of a player putting his own egotistical interests before the team.

The winger's deal expires next season but Everton have the option to extend the deal by one year, at least staving off the imminent threat of Mirallas leaving on a free transfer.

Since then, though, Mirallas has been relatively quiet in the media, choosing instead to let his football do the talking. The 27-year-old has 11 goals so far this season, his best tally for Everton so far, and has now spoken out to deny he was ever looking to move on.

Mirallas said:

"I have always been proud to wear this shirt at Everton. At the start of the season I was very happy with my form.

"I had come back from injury and started the season really, really well and people speaking about me wanting to leave has never come from me. When you have a good start to the season and you are playing well, people are maybe showing a bit of an interest in you.

"But the supporters can rest assured that it never came from me and I never said I wanted to leave. I have always been happy here at this club, my family are happy where we are so it is a shame when stuff gets said and it isn’t me who said it.

"In spite of the noises that were being made in January where people were talking about a supposed departure, and putting that to one side, how I have felt and played, and taking away the injuries, it is the best I have felt.

"It could be my best season for Everton and whenever I have been picked by the manager I have brought something positive and contributed to the side. And in terms of goal-scoring, I am the second highest scorer at the club."

His comments are undoubtedly a boost but it does make you wonder what has gone on over the past few months to backtrack on his desire to move on back in January.

Does Roberto Martinez credit for his handling the situation? Or is there simply not enough interest from rival clubs for Mirallas to push for a move? Don't forget Tottenham were pushing for a Champions League place at the start of year but now look set for another season in the Europa League, is that a factor?

Either way, Everton are infinitely stronger with Mirallas in the squad than without, so this has to go down as good news.