Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has spoken of his delight at finally signing James McCarthy from Everton.
The Republic of Ireland international has joined the Eagles on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, becoming the Eagles' fifth summer signing - and second of the day following on from confirmation of Victor Camarasa's loan move from Real Betis.
It is a fresh start for the 28-year-old after injury troubles in recent seasons, with McCarthy missing more than one year with a broken leg during his time on Merseyside.
And the Irishman has said he can't wait to get started at Palace, adding that he is delighted to be at the club, having previously been linked with a move to south London.
"It feels like a very nice club, nice family club," he told the club website after joining.
"The fans obviously come out in their numbers and I spoke to James [McArthur], he couldn’t speak any more highly of it. I’m delighted to be here; it’s a fresh start that I thought I needed.”
Palace boss Roy Hodgson also spoke of his delight at the signing, adding that McCarthy was a player he had admired for "a very long time."
And he is not the only one, with the Eagles chairman confirming that Palace had previously come close to signing the former Wigan Athletic and Hamilton Academical man.
"James is a player we’ve almost managed to sign a couple of times, so I’m delighted that Roy has helped persuade him to join us on this occasion," he said.
"He’s suffered some setbacks with injury in recent years, and I genuinely believe Palace is a great place for him to restart his career and am confident his all-action displays will make him a hit with the Palace fans.”
