‘I’d rather play for Everton than take selfies with Lionel Messi at Barcelona’ - Andriy Yarmolenko

The 26-year-old winger, who currently plays for Dynamo Kiev, has been repeatedly linked both with a move to Goodison Park and to the Camp Nou.

But, while the opportunity to pose for photos with the likes of Lionel Messi would be attractive for some players, Yarmolenko insists that he is not wired that way.

“It is better to play at Everton," Yarmolenko told Ukrainian news outlet Futbol.

“For me it is important to play matches.

“If I play, the next day I am all calm and smile. If I missed the game and lay in the house, I immediately run into a quarrel.

“If I do not play twice a week, I have nowhere to throw out the emotions and energy. My family will go mad.”

Well, Yarmolenko’s quotes are superb, for a start. It’s admirable and refreshing to hear that he is keen to prioritise securing regular first-team football over representing a big club and enhancing his public profile. While his line about selfies with Messi is the one grabbing the headlines, Everton boss Roberto Martinez must be delighted to hear how keen he seemingly is to play regularly for Everton. We wonder if Martinez would pick the Toffees over Barcelona if given the choice, though.