The South Africa star has recently been linked with a move away from the Toffees and has just one year left on his current contract at Goodison Park.
“Pienaar is a great player,” the Australia international told Everton’s official website. “A good character who is good for the team and we are good for him.
“I have to respect his decision (to wait for contract talks) because I am a professional and I know that he is one of the biggest players for South Africa.
“Losing him would be a big loss but I think he needs to see what he would be losing if he left Everton.
“Hopefully we will sign him because it is a pleasure playing with him.”
