Abdoulaye Doucoure says he has been "waiting a long time" to join Everton after sealing a £20m move from Watford.
The Blues have, this evening, confirmed the 27-year-old midfielder as their latest signing of the transfer window with Doucoure putting pen to paper on a three-year-deal.
Everton have included the option of a fourth year in the deal which has brought him from Vicarage Road.
The Blues made two offers for Doucoure last summer, when Marco Silva was in charge, but Watford turned down the approach, with Everton prepared to pay around £36m for the French midfielder.
Doucoure wanted to make the switch to Goodison but the Hornets refused to sell and so he has revealed his delight at finally sealing the move.
"I have been waiting a long time to come here and now it has happened so I am very happy," Doucoure said.
"I had some interest from other clubs but from the beginning when Everton showed an interest in me I told my agent to focus on Everton.
"It was the only club I wanted to join.
"Everton has a big history in English football and it is a good club for me to have a step up in my career.
"I am very happy now to be an Everton player and very excited for the future."
Carlo Ancelotti set Everton's power-brokers the challenge of finding players who would inject "energy" into the midfield and Doucoure says he fits the bill.
"I can bring my energy - I am a powerful player, I can run a lot, all the game," he added.
"I can add goals as well. I will try my best to score goals and help the team.
"It is an ambitious project here and it was a big part of my decision, having [Director of Football] Marcel [Brands] and the coach Carlo Ancelotti wanting me.
"When you come to a club you want the manager and, of course, the Board to support you.
"It was the case with Everton and I was very eager to come here.”
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