Wednesday 1 July 2015 13:48, UK
Everton's newest recruit Gerard Deulofeu insists it was his love with the supporters that has brought him back to Merseyside.
The 21-year-old, who spent a season on loan at Goodison Park in 2013-14, officially joined the Toffees from Barcelona on Wednesday, having signed a three-year contract with an option for an extra year.
And he said: “I had a great year when I was here last. I really enjoyed it. I felt loved by the Evertonians and I was surrounded by really good team-mates. I’m very happy to be back.
“The fans here are great and I felt really supported by them. Here, the fans live for their football.
“The Everton fans have been sending me messages all the time on social media, on Instagram and Twitter, asking me questions. If I have got 50 notifications on Twitter, 40 of them will be from Everton fans asking what is going on!
“Both myself and my girlfriend feel very supported by the fans and I just hope this year I can work really hard and give them back some of the happiness that they deserve.
“Of course there were other options, but I always said right from the start that I wanted to come back to Everton - you can ask my agent and he will say the same. This is where I feel happy,"
Deulofeu’s contract includes a release clause which kicks in if Barcelona make an offer to Everton meeting certain requirements within the first two years, and the Spanish side also have first refusal if Everton decide to sell.
