Arouna Kone eager for fresh start at Everton

Everton striker Arouna Kone has revealed that he wants to prove himself at the club next season after recovering from a knee injury.

The 30-year-old joined the Toffees from Wigan Athletic for £6m last summer, but his campaign was cut short in October when he suffered a cartilage problem.

However, the Ivory Coast international is eager to make an impact at Goodison Park during the 2014-15 campaign.

"Last season was pretty much a non-starter for me so next season is when it starts," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Everton have had a fantastic season and the style of play I was watching would suit me down to the ground, which gives me huge motivation to prepare for next season.

"I have to prove my worth and I am ready to take on that challenge. The most important thing is for me to be in the best possible shape I can be."

Everton secured a fifth-place finish in the Premier League table last season under new manager Roberto Martinez.