Idrissa Gana Gueye says he told Paris Saint Germain there was only one club he would leave the French giants for - Everton.
The 32-year-old referred to the Blues as his 'home' in his first comments since rejoining the club on a two-year-deal, adding: "For me, there is no better place than Everton, so that’s why I chose to come back here."
He became Frank Lampard's seventh signing of the summer transfer window after his return was confirmed on transfer deadline day following protracted negotiations that were launched weeks ago.
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The defensive midfielder spent three years at Goodison Park before moving to Paris in 2019. While there, he won two league titles, four domestic cups and finished runner-up in the 2020 Champions League final. Upon sealing his return to Merseyside, the Senegal international said: “There is no better feeling than coming back home. I am very happy to be here at Everton again, to help and to work hard. I’ll give my soul to this team.
“Coming back here was important to me because I feel like I’m in my home. I’ve followed the team every week and watched how they play. For me, there is no better place than Everton, so that’s why I chose to come back here. There is also a great atmosphere at the stadium and everyone here is like a family. I felt very, very good when I was here [the first time] and even when I went to Paris, I kept in touch with some of the players here and continued to support the team.
“For me, it’s special. I told PSG if I am going to leave it will be for one team — and that was Everton. It was not a difficult decision for me because I love this club. That’s why I had to come home. It’s a pleasure for me to be back and hopefully we will have a good season because we have to go and try to achieve our goals.”
Welcoming the latest addition to his squad, Lampard - who hinted the move was close to completion on Tuesday - said: “We are delighted to add a player of Idrissa’s quality and experience to the squad. We have been eager to strengthen our midfield options and his attributes will undoubtedly benefit the squad. Idrissa has played at the highest level of football. Evertonians know all about his tireless work rate and the value he brings to a team, and we are looking forward to him bringing all of that now he’s back at the club.”
Director of football Kevin Thelwell added: “Idrissa is a player we were all keen to bring back to the club he calls home and our chairman has worked tirelessly over recent weeks to make that happen and to get this important deal done. Idrissa has showed in his previous three years at the club how important he is, and we have no doubt he will be a key part of our team again and provide strong competition in our midfield.”
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