As cryptic as it might have been, you knew exactly what Amadou Onana was getting at.
Taking to social media on Wednesday night, the Everton midfielder sent a message to the club’s supporters. It was short and sweet but to the point.
“Said what I said and did what I did,” he wrote. Followed by '#Aintleavingtheship' and his trademark '#AO8' sign off.
READ MORE: 'I'm going to bust these myths' - Sean Dyche bans two items from Everton training ground
READ MORE: 'Anchored in L4' - Everton won't abandon biggest presence around Goodison Park with new stadium
This was Amadou Onana breaking his silence on the transfer speculation that had followed him during the month of January. Chelsea being the club he was linked with the most.
But unlike Anthony Gordon, who forced his way out of Everton in order to join Newcastle United, Onana remained. Now, he appears ready for the fight.
And that is exactly what Everton are in. They are in one huge fight to preserve their Premier League status.
Second from bottom and with just 15 points to their name, the odds are stacked against Sean Dyche’s side. Many supporters believe their side is destined for the Championship.
But clearly not in the eyes of Onana. He’s still fighting and that is exactly what Everton fans will have wanted to hear at this moment in time.
These last few weeks have been tough for Blues supporters. On and off the pitch Everton have moved from one disaster to another.
On the pitch, Everton are without a win since October, lacking in confidence and have had to sack another manager in a bid to transform their fortunes.
Off the pitch, the club is in turmoil. Protests against the board have become a permanent fixture since the 4-1 defeat to Brighton.
Last season, Richarlison emerged as the relegation hero Everton needed. Following in the footsteps of Kevin Campbell back in 1999.
The hope from many Blues supporters was that the latest hero would arrive at the club last month. Two new attacking reinforcements was also the hope.
Instead, Everton ended the window with no one. In fact, they finished the window weaker than when they started it following Gordon’s departure.
No one, it seemed, fancied the challenge of helping Everton to safety. The botched recruitment drive over the last few days is only going to add fuel to the fire.
But it also leaves supporters searching for a new relegation hero from within the squad. In relegation battles, you need someone to stand up and be a talisman.
Someone who takes control and leads by example, and in Onana, Everton might have just found themselves the man.
READ NEXT
