Former Everton forward Victor Anichebe slated the prospect of Roberto Martinez returning to Goodison Park and described it as a ‘joke.’
Anichebe, who scored 27 goals in 204 appearances for the Toffees in seven years in the first-team under David Moyes, was sold to West Brom in Martinez’s first few months in charge in the summer of 2013.
Latest reports state that Martinez has been offered the job on an interim basis – combining the role with his current job as head coach of the Belgium national team – but 33-year-old Anichebe was critical of that idea.
Former Everton forward Victor Anichebe slated the prospect of Roberto Martinez returning
Belgium head coach Martinez has reportedly been offered the job on an interim basis
‘I’ve heard Martinez has been linked with the Everton job… is this some kind of joke?’ he told Sky Sports.
‘He finished fifth in his first season with David Moyes’ team. People don’t remember what happened before. There were protests to get him out of the club. You’re going from one toxic situation to another.’
Martinez, who took over from Moyes in June 2013, did indeed finish fifth in his first season and signed a new five-year contract at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.
Yet despite guiding the Toffees to the semi-finals of both domestic cups in 2015-16, fans did protest against his management and demanded he be sacked, which he was by owner Farhad Moshiri in May 2016.
Anichebe scored 27 goals in 204 appearances for the Toffees in seven years in the first-team
Anichebe played just once under Martinez, in August 2013 against Norwich, when he came on as a substitute and played for one minute.
He was sold to West Brom for £6m weeks later, where he played for three years – the Nigerian is currently unattached and hasn’t played since appearing for Chinee club Beijing Enterprises Group in 2017.
The Toffees are looking for a new manager after sacking Rafa Benitez on Sunday.
