Life at Everton second nature to Hibbert

4 august 2012 08:03

Tony Hibbert says his career spent at boyhood club Everton has been a blessing ahead of his testimonial against AEK Athens.

The Merseyside-born 31-year-old has made 253 appearances for the English Premier League club since his debut in 2001 and is being rewarded with a testimonial against Greek side AEK at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

No player has made more European appearances for Everton than Hibbert, and he has spoken of how the club always comes first.

"It's just normal, I've been here since I was 10 or 11, so Everton is just Everton to me," the veteran full-back told Sky Sports.

"It's a big part of my life and it always will be. My family always say 'Everton's first'. Every single day is Everton.

"Coming here and spending every day here is nothing different to me so it's hard to explain and get across how it is for me.

"To be a part of a club for that long, when I sit down and think about it with my family and go through it, it's unbelievable and I can't say any more really.

"To be here playing for that long, 10 years, really is a blessing for me."