Johnny Heitinga played with Steven Pienaar at Everton for four years.
Johnny Heitinga has sent a heartfelt Instagram message to former Everton teammate Steven Pienaar after the pocket-sized South African retired from professional football.
The 35-year-old retired earlier this week after a short spell with Bidvest Wits in his home country, after an illustrious career that saw him turn out for the likes of Everton, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur.
Pienaar played for Everton during two spells, firstly joining the Toffees in 2007 on loan from Dortmund before joining permanently and staying at Goodison Park until 2011, before returning in 2012 for another four years.
He joined Heitinga in the Everton side for all of four years, before the Dutch defender finally left Goodison Park in 2014 before returning to Ajax and retiring in 2016. The defender posted on Instagram after hearing of Pienaar’s retirement.
Pienaar clocked up a huge 229 league and cup appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 26 goals and adding 48 assists as he become somewhat of a fan favourite at Goodison Park.
He will be best remembered for winning the 2009-10 Player of the Season at Everton following an excellent campaign that saw Pienaar score seven times from midfield during 38 league and cup appearances.
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