Everton Sign Ashley Young

Everton have completed the transfer of Ashley Young.

The 38-year-old arrives on a free transfer after his contract at Aston Villa expired.

Winger-turned-defender has played over 700 career games for club and country, including 32 appearances for Villa last season and has become Sean Dyche’s first signing as Everton manager.

Ashley Young: “I’m delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club. I can’t wait for the season to start and walking out at Goodison Park is going to be an unbelievable feeling and to hear the passionate fans behind me.

“The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none.

“I know things haven’t gone too well for Everton in the past couple of seasons but the manager’s ambition, speaking to him and hearing what he wants to do to change the Club around, was a key factor in my decision.

“The other is the size of Everton. It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best. Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to be here and I just want to get started now.

“I think there are a lot of qualities I can bring to the team and that’s why the Club went out of their way to sign me. I just want to get down to work and show the qualities I’ve got. Wherever the manager needs me, I know I can go and do a job at a high level.

 “I’ve always said age is just a number for me. I feel as fit as I ever have done – even than when I was younger. Whenever the manager calls upon me, I’m going to be fit and ready to go.

 “I hope to use my experience in the squad, too. For me, I’ve been there and done it and if I can lend a voice to a younger player, that’s fantastic.

 “When you go on that pitch, there is one captain but there are 11 leaders. Everyone is on the pitch to do a job and everyone has got a voice. It’s about helping each other out, having a good team spirit and winning games.”

Everton manager, Dyche said: “Ashley is a top-class professional whose record of team and personal achievements during a successful career make him an excellent addition to our squad.

“I’ve known Ashley for many years, having been his captain when he first broke through at Watford, and his qualities both on and off the pitch will prove valuable.

“His impressive statistics from last season, which were among some of the best in Europe, highlight what he can bring to Everton.”