Jonjoe Kenny reveals reason behind rejecting Everton contract proposal
Jonjoe Kenny spent 16 years at Everton before departing in the summer for Hertha Berlin and he’s now explained his reason for leaving.
Kenny graduated from Everton’s academy after joining the club aged nine. He went on to make 50 appearances for the Toffees before making a permanent move away in the summer to join Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.
Frank Lampard did offer the 25-year-old a new offer in the summer, but Kenny decided against signing an extension with Everton.
He explained his decision during an interview with BZ Berlin: “I loved my 16 years at Everton since I was a kid. And I love the time under Frank Lampard.
“But I felt like I was ready for a change. Ready to become a man and a personality of my own. For that I had to leave England and my comfort zone.
“Coming here was a great choice.”
A win-win decision
Kenny’s decision deserves plenty of respect, and it was a tough call that has benefitted both parties.
Kenny deserved to find a new permanent home after a flurry of loan spells during his time at Goodison Park. During his time in Merseyside, Kenny was sent out to Wigan Athletic, Oxford United, Schalke and Celtic.
Now happily settled in Berlin, Kenny’s departure opened up a spot in the squad for a new defender, and Nathan Patterson has benefitted hugely from that.
Patterson joined the Toffees in January and has quickly become a crucial part of Lampard’s plans. Kenny will look at Patterson’s development at Goodison Park and will be even more pleased with his decision to leave.
Everton’s squad ended up improving and Kenny has found a club willing to offer him consistent minutes in the first team. It’s a win-win for everyone and was a move handled fantastically by both the club and the player.