‘Is this some kind of joke?’ – Ex-Everton star Anichebe stunned as Roberto Martinez is lined up for Goodison return

FORMER Everton star Victor Anichebe has blasted a potential Roberto Martinez return to Goodison Park as ‘some kind of joke’. Belgium boss Martinez, 48, is being lined up to replace Rafa Benitez six years after his own Toffees exit. Everton owner Farhad Moshiri, who axed Martinez in 2016 following a three-year stint, apparently wants him […]

FORMER Everton star Victor Anichebe has blasted a potential Roberto Martinez return to Goodison Park as ‘some kind of joke’.

Belgium boss Martinez, 48, is being lined up to replace Rafa Benitez six years after his own Toffees exit.

PA:Press Association

Victor Anichebe does not want to see Roberto Martinez back at Everton[/caption]

Getty

Belgium boss Martinez is reportedly first choice to replace Rafa Benitez[/caption]

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri, who axed Martinez in 2016 following a three-year stint, apparently wants him back on Merseyside.

And the Spaniard is reportedly keen on quitting Belgium for a second Goodison spell, already sounding out Thierry Henry to become his assistant.

But former player Anichebe, who spent just three months working with Martinez before he was sold to West Brom in 2013, isn’t keen.

The ex-Nigeria international, 33, gasped: “I’ve heard Martinez has been linked. Is this some kind of joke?”

Moshiri’s decision to move for Martinez isn’t popular with the Goodison faithful either, with 85 per cent of 7,000 fans polled on Toffees TV saying they don’t want him back.

And Anichebe added to Sky Sports: “He finished fifth in his first season with David Moyes’ team.

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“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.”

SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Derby boss Wayne Rooney was a target to replace Benitez, who was sacked following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Norwich.

And Anichebe believes the Goodison legend would be a great choice for the role.

He added: “[Rooney’s] a fantastic manager. He’d get the respect straight away from the players.

“He’s had limited resources at Derby and is doing a fantastic job. He grew up at Everton so knows what’s expected.”

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