Ashley Williams says it was the chance to play under Ronald Koeman that convinced him to leave Swansea City for Everton.
The Wales captain completed his move on Wednesday for an undisclosed fee that sources at the selling club indicated was worth £12m, but only £9m according to the buyers.
Whatever the financial cost, the Swans have lost more than a centre-back, a leader and their most widely-recognised player.
The 31-year-old provided the emotional gauge at a club where he was viewed as the pivotal link between players, fans, and the club hierarchy.
But the chance of a fresh challenge – after coming off the high of his Euro 2016 adventures – persuaded Williams it was time to end his eight-year stint with Swansea.
He said: “I’ve had eight great years at Swansea and, for me, the new challenge was something I felt I needed, so I’m delighted to have joined Everton.
“Everton is a great club with an unbelievable manager – a world legend in football – and I believe the club is going in the right direction. This is something I wanted to be a part of.
“I look forward to seeing what the manager’s plans are for me and the team. He’s [Ronald Koeman] been one of the greatest centre-halves to ever play the game, so I look forward to learning from him and seeing what he can teach me.
“I really can’t wait to get out there at Goodison. I’ve always enjoyed playing on the Goodison pitch, so it will be nice to be an Everton player and experience what it’s all about when I’m part of the home team.
“This is always a noisy place with a crowd that gets behind the team. As an away player – I’ve scored at Goodison and in my career I haven’t scored many goals! – it’s a difficult place to play.
“What Everton fans can expect of me is an honest player, a hard-working player who will try to do as good I can for my teammates and the club. I’m not always perfect but I always have the right intentions and I try to leave it all out there on the pitch.
“I’m excited about meeting my new teammates, staff and focusing on the season ahead.
“Obviously, Swansea was very memorable for me and I would like to thank every single fan, my former and current teammates and all of the Swansea family for their unconditional support and friendship. I wish everyone at Swansea all the best for the future and they will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Williams is Ronald Koeman’s sixth signing of the summer at Everton
Everton manager Koeman said: “We wanted to bring in a strong player in the central defence position, a player who knows the Premier League and Ashley fits the bill for us very well.
“He is an experienced defender and the kind of player we need in the team. He is a leader. He showed this at Swansea and he has shown it for his country and he is looking forward to his new challenge here at Everton.”
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said: “It is definitely not something we wanted to happen.
“But having turned down Everton’s initial offer, Ashley expressed his desire for a new challenge.
“Taking into account the excellent service Ashley has given this football club over the last eight years, including as club captain, we reluctantly agreed to his request to join Everton after they made an improved offer.
“It goes without saying that we wish him the very best with his new challenge and thank him for his services.”
