Gomes: I felt part of the Everton family

Everton got some excellent service last season from the two players they had loaned in, and have secured at least one of them on a permanent basis, for now.

The club yesterday announced that Andre Gomes had joined the club on a transfer from Barcelona, ensuring that the majority of the fanbase who had been clamouring for the move would be satisfied.

Speaking to evertontv after the news was made public, the Portuguese midfielder commented that the decision was easy for him to make, despite rumoured interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

“I’m really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it.

“I know the Club made a massive effort to sign me and I’m very happy and thankful to them. I said during the year that I felt part of a family and that is the most important thing to me.

“I always got massive support since day one. I’m really, really happy to have this badge on me right now and I want to give all the fans my best because I think they deserve the best of each player. I’m happy to be here and I want to improve to give them joy.

“I have to thank Marco and Marcel, too, because they made a really massive effort for me to be here.

“Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here. It was good for me in that moment and right now, after signing for Everton, it’s even better.

“I think the ambition from the Club is not only for me, I think it’s for all the players and the fans. We are all excited about that.

“I hope in the seasons to come we can enjoy more good football and win trophies. That’s what we all want.”

Those are the magic words that everyone would have wanted to hear from Gomes - that he was looking to push on and make more of a significant contribution in the attacking half of the pitch, and get the Blues to make a concerted effort at challenging the hierarchy at the top of the Premier League.

Manager Marco Silva had made it clear that Gomes was a crucial part of his gameplan in the 2018-19 season and that the Blues would make it a priority to bring him back, something Marcel Brands delivered on.

“Andre was a really important player for us last season and I think we were really able to help him, too.

“It was a good decision to bring Andre to the Club and we made it one of our priorities to get him back.

“I am delighted we have been able to do that as he is a quality player and we were so happy with what he gave us.

“He is someone who has shown he can operate to a high level in the Premier League and for our Club, and I know our fans will be fantastic in welcoming him back.

“What Andre learned about the Club, our fans and our vision convinced him that this is where he wants to play his football and I know he shares the big ambitions that we have going forwards.”

CLICK HERE FOR ANDRE GOMES’ EXCLUSIVE FIRST INTERVIEW AFTER SIGNING