Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin has been impressed with the club’s fans.
Everton new boy Jean-Philippe Gbamin has told the Liverpool Echo that he thought fans were ‘really amazing’ for an ovation he received against Watford.
The Toffees were in the market for a new defensive midfielder after losing Idrissa Gueye to Paris Saint-German, and Gbamin was the man identified by Marcel Brands.
Everton secured the Ivorian’s signature, paying £25million (BBC Sport) to sign him from Mainz – but his start to life in England hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
Gbamin blew hot and cold in his first couple of games for the club, but then suffered a thigh injury which will keep him out of action for around two months.
The 23-year-old needs to come back stronger, especially with Fabian Delph impressing against Wolves on Sunday, but he’ll at least have time to learn Marco Silva’s methods.
Now, Gbamin has reflected on his introduction at Goodison Park, and admits fans amazed him with their reaction to him chasing back to tackle Watford’s Gerard Deulofeu after giving the ball away.
Gbamin admitted he thought ‘wow’ when he heard Everton fans giving him such a big ovation for that, claiming it made him ‘confident and happy’.
He added that he’s played for great fans in France and Germany, but the fans at Everton have been so impressive so far, cheering n every tackle and pass.
“I remember this! For me it was like, ‘Wow’. It was really amazing, I loved it,” said Gbamin. “Hearing that noise, it makes you feel confident and happy, and that you want to do more. On the pitch, you have to stay serious and focused. But it [the ovation] was really warm, and I appreciate it a lot.”
“I have played in front of great fans in France and Germany, but the difference here is the people are very close to the pitch. When you make a good tackle, or give a good pass, you can see the people next to you with joy and screaming. It is so impressive for me,” he added.
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