Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar is glad to finally be able to look towards the future after signing on at Goodison Park permanently.

The 26-year-old South African has had a decent season under David Moyes during his loan spell from parent club Borussia Dortmund.

Now, Pienaar has revealed his relief at finally sorting out his future.

"It had been on my mind for quite a while and I just wanted to get it over with, as a person you always want to know where your future lies," he admitted. "If you are living in an uncertain world you don't know what is going to happen.

"Now that is behind me and I hope I can just concentrate on football."

"I have signed a long-term deal so I am looking forward to the next three years at the club.

"I have always wanted to play in the Premier League. I have had the opportunity to play for a good club with good supporters so I have to take that opportunity.

"From the first day I came here the guys were really friendly and the gaffer was good to me. It gave me the feeling that I was at home. When you get that feeling you want to stay and that is why I have committed myself to Everton.

"I think we just have to carry on the way we are going. Next season maybe we have the chance to fight for a cup. It is every player's dream to win cups and I hope in the next three years we can make it possible."