Everton boss David Moyes is delighted with Mikel Arteta's new five-year contract.
Now that his contract is sorted Moyes is confident the midfielder will return to the form which has made him such a hero with Evertonians.
Moyes told evertontv: "He may not be at his very best at the moment because he has had a lot going on. But the job now is to get him to his best in the coming weeks. We all think there is a good chance something good could happen (with the team) this season.
"I'm really pleased (about Arteta). It is a big thing and we all know how important he has been to us in the last few seasons.
"He did have two years left on his contract so I was always hopeful he would stay but to go and pen a longer term contract is great for us."
The Blues' chief also singled out Chairman Bill Kenwright for praise.
He added: "The Chairman worked hard over the summer. It has taken a bit of time and there has been speculation all over the place but we have got him signed and we know how important a player he is for us."
