Everton's gifted Basque midfielder Mikel Arteta has revealed his determination to return to full fitness and remain at Goodison Park for the rest of his career.

"I can see myself finishing my career at Everton. That would not surprise me at all," said the 27-year-old, who is not expected to return to action until 2010 after an infection delayed his recovery from a serious knee injury.

"I have never spent as much time at a club as I have here. I have found a place where I am confident I can achieve my ambitions and where I have improved as a player and learned a lot as a person."

There was no explanation for the infection, they have had three cases like that in 35 years," continued the former FC Barcelona youth player.

I have found a place where I am confident I can achieve my ambitions and where I have improved as a player
Mikel Arteta on his time at Everton

"The surgeon and the medical staff at the club do not want to talk about time, because there is no point. The only worry is to get my knee fixed properly. There is no point risking it."

Without Arteta's steadying influence, Everton have struggled for consistency but the ex-Real Sociedad and Rangers star believes the Blues still have plenty of quality in their squad.

"I would like to win a trophy and we have got the potential to do it. We have players who are really involved in the club and players who really love the club," he continued.

"I have been at other clubs and this is a special one. People say we are a family - and we really are. Maybe people do not realise sometimes how the club works on the inside but we have got really good people."