Jack Grealish picked No 18 at Everton to follow in the footsteps of heroes Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney.
The England winger signed on a season-long loan from Manchester City with the Toffees holding a £50m option next summer for a permanent deal.
Everton will cover the majority of Grealish’s wages which is believed to come at a cost of around £12m. Grealish, 29, signed for City in 2021 as part of a £100m deal but has fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola.
Now he’s looking to rekindle his career at Hill Dickinson Stadium and will don the No 18 shirt his idols wore at Everton. “There is a reason for [choosing number 18],” he said.
“There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here. So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.
“I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he’s happy as well!”
Rooney wore the number in his first spell at the club before he went on to join Manchester United and become an England legend.
Grealish is hoping regular football at Everton can force himself into Thomas Tuchel’s plans next summer for the World Cup. But first he must impress for the Toffees.
He said: “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go.
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Birmingham Post and Mail)
“On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton. I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I’m sure I will.”
Grealish won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup during his time at City. But he played just 715 minutes for City in the Premier League last season after falling down the pecking order.
Everton boss David Moyes said: “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to. I know Jack’s ambition is to get back into the England squad so hopefully we can help him achieve that over the course of the season.
“We’re all looking forward to working with him and providing a platform for him to show the best version of himself.”
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