Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka has taken aim at former club Everton over his release.

Tomorrow night he prepares to face Everton with the Blues in mid-table obscurity and the Blades battling for a Europa League place.

The 37-year-old admits that his ­departure from Goodison Park could have been handled better, ­especially when chairman Bill Kenwright had praised him as “one of ­Everton's greatest servants".

He told the Mirror: “I would have stayed, given the opportunity.

“At the time, they were after a couple of centre-halves, ­including Kurt Zouma, who had been on loan from Chelsea. It appeared they couldn't make their mind up about me. It seemed the easiest decision was to let me go.

“That wasn't nice to hear, ­after such an enjoyable time there."

Marco Silva, who was Everton manager at the time, had used Jagielka only sparingly in that final ­season on Merseyside.

“I still felt I had something more to offer," Jagielka added.