Fuente: © Everton FC
http://www.evertonfc.com/

EVERTON FC: YOBO EXCLUSIVE

/noticias.info/ Joseph Yobo has thanked the Everton fans, players, management and chairman Bill Kenwright for their support during the last few traumatic weeks.

Speaking exclusively to evertonfc.com, the Blues defender revealed that he has been through the most difficult period of his life following the kidnapping of his brother, Norum.

Norum was held captive for 12 long days after being seized from a hotel in Port Harcourt, the main city of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, where kidnappings for ransom are frequent.

"First of all, I thank God that all our prayers have been answered and that my brother is back safely with the family," said a clearly emotional Joseph.

"I would also like to thank everyone connected with Everton for being so supportive and helping me to stay strong."

Joseph revealed that the first person to contact him following his brother's capture was the club Chairman, Bill Kenwright.

"The Chairman was in touch on day one and gave me a lot of support," said Joseph. "He told me that if there was anything we needed, we just had to let him know. I was very grateful for that."

The messages of support that flooded into Goodison from Evertonians the world over were passed onto Joseph via a club official and the defender was grateful for them all.

"The fans have been very concerned for my brother and for me and my family and I thank them for that," he said.

"I love them all and the only way I can repay them is to do what I know best...and that's to play football to the best of my ability.

"I am more determined than ever to do my best for them and to help the team do even better than we did last year."

Understandably, Joseph still hasn't penned in a definite date for his return to Finch Farm to join his team-mates for pre-season training, but he is looking forward to coming back.

"The manager has been very supportive during this time and he has helped me a lot," he said.

"I still have things to sort out with my family but once they are done I will be back.

"Nobody needs to worry about my fitness because I will be ready for the start of the season and I am looking forward to being able to thank the manager and all my friends at the club.

"In fact, we've had messages of support from people throughout football." notas_de_prensa_archivo