Andre Gomes shows his class with heartfelt Everton message after exit

Andre Gomes has tugged at the heartstrings of Evertonians with a classy farewell message as his six-year stint at Goodison Park comes to an end.

The Portuguese international joined the Blues from Barcelona in August 2018, initially on a season-long loan, before making a permanent £22million switch the following year. Gomes, who will leave the club on a free transfer when his current five-year contract expires at the end of this month, made 114 appearances for Everton and scored four goals.

Spending the 2022/23 season on loan at French club Lille, he was expected to be deemed surplus to requirements when returning to Merseyside last summer but after coming off the bench and scoring in his comeback at Tottenham Hotspur on December 23 – his first game for Everton in 19 months – he went on to feature 14 times for Sean Dyche.

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With the 30-year-old – who battled back from a serious ankle injury in November 2019 following a horror challenge from Spurs’ Son Heung-min that caused him to collide with Serge Aurier – now looking forward to a new chapter of his career, he took to social media to record a personal video message to Everton fans to thank them for their support, which starts with footage of his last goal for the club, a spectacular free-kick against Crystal Palace that decided an FA Cup third-round replay in January this year.

Gomes said: “Dear Evertonians, I’m doing this video for you as a message of gratitude for all the time we spent together. The last few weeks were tough either for me and for my family.

“My time with the blue shirt came to an end. But I have to tell you how proud I am for all these years.

“This club is full of history, with big moments, but also with difficult situations that should make us learn from that. But both situations have one thing in common: your passion for this wonderful football club.

“The love, the relentless fighting spirit, the hard work. For me, there is another word that defines how special you are: Family.

“Going through ups and downs, emotions and amazing atmospheres, you never gave up on us. You never give up on the person next to you, and that is what community is all about.

“There are no words to describe the impact you have on helping others. I am very fortunate and thankful for all the experiences and moments we shared together.

“I met so many wonderful people and I’m touched for all of you that made me and my family feel special. This message was not supposed to be too long but just a thank you message wouldn’t be enough.

“My family grew under your umbrella and nowadays I have my kid everyday singing Everton songs. I guess you all did a wonderful job because I’m sure we’ll never forget our time with you. I’m not the best person showing emotions but (those) who really know me, understand how much this means to me.

“People say that good things somewhere along the line, will come to an end and maybe this is the case but I leave with my heart full of memories and wonderful moments. And for that I want to thank you.

“One last word to all the staff, players and employees that I had the chance to work with. You know how much I love you and how much I will miss you.

“Thank you family. Always in my heart.”