Farewell sweet prince Joel Robles

Former Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles has completed his move to Real Betis upon the expiration of his Toffees’ contract. The Spaniard has signed a four-year deal with the team that finished sixth in La Liga last season and will play in the Europa League this season. Joel, as he preferred to be known at the Blues, will compete with fellow free agent signing Pau Lopez for the starting role at Betis.

The goalie was well-liked for his demeanor and passion while at Everton, as well as how he conducted himself with a minimum of fuss despite the loss of playing time during the Tim Howard era and then after the Blues signed Jordan Pickford.

Joel sent a classy message in English and Spanish to all the Everton fans on social media earlier today, thanking the club and supporters for his five year spell with the Blues.

Dear Everton family,

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to wear the shirt of such a great club like Everton and be able to play at Goodison Park in front of such great fans for the past five years.

It has been five unforgettable seasons in which I have worked hard every day to improve on the pitch and represent the greatness of the club off it.

I want you all to know that I will always remember every game I have played for Everton with pride and honour. Also I would like to mention that, I will always be grateful for the treatment that I had received from the President, managers, coaching staff, team mates, club officials throughout my time at the club.

But, above all, I want to say ‘thank you’ to each and every one of you for making me feel like one of your own.

Yours sincerely,

#COYB

Joel Robles

Here’s wishing you all the best Joel, and thank you for your service to Everton. You know the saying, “once a Blue, always a Blue..” and you will always be one of us.