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“That is something money can’t buy,” said the French centre-back. “The atmosphere and the chemistry between players is something you need, as well as big players.

“You need to feel good together as you spend a lot of time together, sometimes more time than we spend with our families! You have to work hard for each other and you need a good team spirit to do that.”

Meanwhile, Everton have declared the game with Fulham on Saturday, April 24 as the Official Supporters’ Club Day.

The event will be a celebration of the 2009-10 affiliated Supporters’ Clubs and an opportunity for them to proudly carry their official flag at Goodison. To mark the occasion, affiliated junior members can buy a match ticket for a discount £5.

Everton’s Premier League game against Aston Villa, which was due to take place on Saturday, April 10, must be rescheduled after the Midlands club reached the FA Cup semi-finals. No new date has yet been set.