Marco Silva has thanked the travelling Everton fans after they saluted the Blues boss at the end of his first season in charge.
The Portuguese coach went over to applaud the away supporters following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Silva's gesture was returned in kind by the Blues fans who gave the manager a reaction which he says meant a lot.
The 41-year-old was heartened by the fans' backing during a troubled winter and says their support has helped propel an impressive run of six wins and three draws from the final 11 league games of the season.
“When you are a football manager in my situation, when the people can be proud of the work we are doing it is everything in football, it is my aim as a manager,” he said.
Everton analysis - Walcott and Tosun come up trumps as Blues given a taste of the future
“After they give this fantastic feeling for me, it is my desire and my aim as a manager.
“Thanks to them. We started the season well until December, we were in a very good position, playing good football and improving many, many things. Everything was different, a new philosophy, and they were there.
“We had a tough, tough period. When a team is not playing it is not just our fans, but all the fans in the world, who are not happy but we stick together.
“And when they realised how important they can be for us and when we are together, fighting, we can be stronger and they did that.
“They supported the team and when they can give us, and me, this reception it is why you are doing everything this season.”
