Former Everton player Yannick Bolasie has spoken out about his time at the club and insists that he was worth the money the Blues paid for him.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international moved to Everton from Crystal Palace in a £25m deal back in 2016, and though he concedes it was a hefty price tag, Bolasie believes he ‘was worth it’.
Speaking with FourFourTwo, the 33-year-old recalls signing at Goodison Park following an impressive run of form at Selhurst Park.
Bolasie states: “It’s so much money, but I knew I was worth it. I could see what I did on the pitch. I took people out of the game. In one-versus-one situations, I fancied myself all day long.”
The attacker continued: “My game wasn’t all about goals and assists; it was also about the little things that people didn’t see as often.
I knew my worth to Palace and knew what I could bring to Everton – that’s why they wanted to sign me so much.”
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Unfortunately, Everton never got to see the best of Bolasie as the winger suffered a ruptured ACL just a matter of months into his move to Goodison Park, and injury from which he would never truly recover.
Indeed, the winger would make a series of loan moves in an attempt to reignite his career, with temporary deals agreed with Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting CP and Middlesbrough before leaving the club permanently at the end of his contract in 2021.
His flair and creativity would have no doubt seen him become a fan favourite at Everton had he avoided such a devastating injury, such as his one-time replacement Richarlison who provided just that, and was an instant hit with the fanbase until his £60m sale in the summer.
Ultimately Bolasie made just 29 Premier League appearances for the Toffees, scoring twice.
A case of what could have been for both player and club, Bolasie now plays for Turkish outfit Caykur Rizespor.