Salomon Rondon admits ensuring Everton and their “incredible fans” remain in the Premier League takes priority over his scoring statistics while revealing that he’s bulked up during his time at Goodison Park. The striker joined the Blues on a free transfer on deadline day last summer but after previous spells on these shores at West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United, hitting double figures in three of his four seasons, this has so far been his lowest scoring campaign in England.
Brought in by Rafael Benitez, Venezuelan international Rondon, who had previously played for the Spaniard at both St James’ Park and Chinese outfit Dalian Pro, netted his solitary Premier League goal of the campaign to date under his stewardship, in a 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace in December. The 32-year-old has yet to find the net in the Premier League under Frank Lampard but bagged a brace in Everton’s 2-0 FA Cup fifth round victory at home to non-League Boreham Wood.
While he’d obviously like to be more prolific, Rondon acknowledges that there are more pressing needs than players’ personal figures right now. Speaking in an interview for the official Everton v Brentford matchday programme, he said: “My relationship with the supporters has always been massive. The way they are is incredible, with so much love for Everton.
