EVERTON FC today completed the signing of Darron Gibson from Manchester United.
Gibson has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract for a reported fee of £1million, rising to £2million on appearances.
He made 60 appearances in six years at United but knew he had little future at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson decided to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement.
The 37-year-old, who quit the game last season, was brought back on a short-term deal to provide cover for an injury-stricken midfield and came off the bench in last weekend’s 3-2 FA Cup third round victory at Manchester City.
Gibson added that Wayne Rooney also convinved him to move.
“I was speaking to Wayne about it a bit and after that and coming to see the facilities it was an easy decision,” Gibson, who is in the squad to face Aston Villa tomorrow, told local radio reporters.
“He told me it was a great club and he really enjoyed his time and the people here. Having a word with him and people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville convinced me to come.
"I think it was the right time for me to move on and I’m looking forward to my time here. I’m really looking forward to kicking on now.
“When everyone’s fit it’s a great squad and hopefully me coming in can improve the team a bit and we’ll start to kick on from here.
“I have been at United since I was 15 so this is the first proper move I have had so it is very exciting. David Moyes is a great manager and has shown that over the past few years.
“His teams have been good despite not having a lot of money so I’m really looking forward to working under him.”
Gibson is known for being able to find the net and work the goalkeeper and that is something Everton are crying out for, but he hopes to be able to offer other qualities to the side too.
“I have not had a run of games properly so when I get into the swing of things I can bring a lot of things,” he said.
“It’s a great club with great fans and hopefully I can improve Everton. I think I’m a goalscoring midfielder and hopefully I can get a few goals.
“I’ve scored a few long-range shots - I don’t think I’ve scored one inside the box to be honest - and if I score goals it’s a bonus for me.
“I’m just looking to do as well as I can for the team.”
