“I said to the manager that at the end of this contract I will have played for Everton for 11 years which is unbelievable. I am really optimistic about this season and I think we have got a great chance.

“We’ve got a great team with great experience.”

Arteta earned a raucous ovation from the travelling supporters at Wolfsburg at the weekend, but could not prevent Everton falling to a 2-0 defeat in their final friendly ahead of the Premier League opener at Blackburn Rovers this coming Saturday.

And the Spaniard said: “We knew it was going to be a decent game. It was the first time we’ve been a goal down in pre-season and we had to react from that. A couple of mistakes cost us goals.

“In one way I think it’s good. We’ve been playing well and winning but now we have to ensure we focus and get it right next weekend.

“We have to ensure we get it right from the start. That’s been missing in recent years. Let’s get off to a good start, start winning and kick on from there.

“The two targets are to start winning and keep everyone fit. Let’s not talk about the Champions League or about winning trophies.

“If we start well we have a chance. If we don’t start well and get injuries then things will be difficult.”