Delph coming to Everton with ambitions to win things

Everton have confirmed the signing of Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph in the last hour or so.

The 29-year-old has already jetted out to Switzerland to join up with the rest of the squad in Bagnes where the Blues are continuing their preseason training. Before he left, he spoke with evertontv, insisting that he was joining the Toffees to continue his winning ways. After four seasons in which he lifted six separate trophies at City, it might be some time before he’s able to fulfill that ambition however.

“I’m hungry. I don’t like losing. I see myself as a winner.

“The club that I’ve been at has had success, especially in the last two seasons, and over the last four years we managed to win trophies. I wanted to be playing more regularly and the opportunity to come and play for Everton Football Club was too good of an opportunity to turn down.

“I’m at an age now where I am probably one of the most experienced players, so hopefully I can bring that and try to help my teammates here to do better. Ultimately, the goal is to win something.

“I’ve not come here just to be here - I’ve come here with ambitions to win things.”

Delph is very familiar with a number of Everton players from the England national team squad, including Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Theo Walcott, and Leighton Baines, on his way to picking up 20 caps for the Three Lions.

“I’ve played with those guys over the years, so I’m delighted that they are here. It’s nice for me to see them and probably makes it a little bit easier for me to get adjusted to a new squad.

“When I have spoken to the other players, they have welcomed me with open arms. I’m just looking forward to getting started now.

“I was with Keano and Picks with the national team at the end of the season. I spoke to them about what the Club was like and what the lads were like, and everything was all positive.”

Marcel Brands and Marco Silva explained their vision to Delph and that helped convince him about the move.

“Even before I spoke to Marcel Brands and Marco Silva and as soon as I knew that there was interest, I wanted to come to the Club.

“When I did speak to Marcel, he made his thoughts very clear. He outlined the ethos of the Club, where they want to go and where they are now.

“I was really excited to get here and I can’t wait to start training. It’s finally over the line now so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

A number of players who have come up against the Toffees in the past have commented about the passionate fans, and Delph was no different.

“Over the years, I’ve played against Everton and the fanbase has always been one that I’ve always had one eye on, thinking ‘what an amazing group of fans’.

“Obviously, there’s some great players here and the manager seems to be doing good things. When I had the opportunity to come here, it was one that I couldn’t turn down.”

Delph is looking forward to interacting with the fans, and could get an opportunity to don the royal blue as soon as Friday when the Blues take on AS Monaco.

“Every time I have played against Everton, whether it was home or away, straight away the first thing that comes to mind when you see the fans is passion.

“The Everton fans seem to know football, seem to understand it, it seems to be in their blood and they really back the team. You are always going to hear Evertonians and I’m excited to play at home and hear them when I am playing.

”I’m really happy to be here, I’m going to give absolutely everything - nothing less than 100 per cent. Hopefully we can push together, fans and players, to do something special.”