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By Anthony Nlebem.
Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi, says his dramatic transfer deadline-day move to Everton in 2019 was a big career decision for him, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Iwobi signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park after a deal was agreed between the clubs on Deadline Day, with Everton paying £28m up front, plus up to £7m in additional fees.
The 26-year-old came through the ranks at the Gunners, scoring 15 goals in 149 games.
Recalling how the deal came through, the Nigeria international, in an interview with Ian Wright on ‘Behind the Game’ show, said the notice came suddenly when he was on a yacht with his family and he took the bold decision.
“So, it got to deadline day, I’m on a yacht with my family. Minimal signal, I don’t know how, but all of a sudden, I’ve got a signal,” Iwobi said.
“And my agent’s called me and said, ‘Everton want to push the move.’ Everton manager Marco Silva also called me, saying he wants me to come, and that he has a role for me.
“My dad said, ‘Are you sure?’ I’m like, ‘you know what? I’m really up for this challenge, like I’m ready to move and make a name for myself.”
“So, literally, got off, told the driver of the boat, ‘you’re going to have to spin this, you have to get back as soon as possible.’ Eventually made it back to the hotel and signed the documents, just in time, but like it was a big decision.”
Since joining the Toffees four years ago, the Super Eagles midfielder has featured predominantly under different managers with 125 appearances and has contributed 21 goals (scored eight goals plus 13 assists) across all competitions.
With just a year left on his current contract, the club have opened talks with the former Arsenal player to extend his stay at Goodison Park, but the Nigerian is currently stalling on a new deal, following Everton’s poor run of form in recent seasons.