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Joel Robles has revealed he was angry with Ronald Koeman after the Everton manager told him he would be second choice this season.

And the Spanish goalkeeper feared he would have to leave Goodison for the sake of his career.

But Robles decided to stick it out with the Blues and fight for his place in the side with summer signing Maarten Stekelenburg, insisting that he wants to Everton’s first-choice for many years to come.

The 26-year-old has made five consecutive starts since coming on to replace the injured Stekelenburg in the second-half of last month’s derby at Goodison and though the Dutchman is now fully fit, Robles is hoping to keep his place in goal.

Asked what Koeman has said to him in the summer when Stekelenburg arrived as No1, Robles said: “Nothing.

“He told me that I was the No2 and that Maarten was going to be No1.

“Obviously, I am angry in this moment with him but this is football, I respect the situation and that I needed to change my mind and work hard.”

He added: “In one moment, I did think about leaving because I like to play but when you go home you need to think about everything and I want to play for Everton for many years.

“I had reason to leave the club but I said no because I want to play for Everton for many years.”

Robles, who signed from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2013, will make only his 50th appearance for Everton if he keeps his place for Saturday’s game at Crystal Palace.

He now says the time is right in his career to become a permanent No1.

“After four years at Everton and too many times being on the bench, playing and then being back on the bench, I think this is a good period for me, I have good experience,” he said.