‘Wasn’t an easy decision’: Alex Iwobi admits he made really difficult choice leaving Everton this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has now said why he chose to make the move from Everton to Fulham in the summer, though admits it was a difficult choice.

The Nigerian international moved to Craven Cottage in a £22m deal in August, and says that while it ‘wasn’t an easy decision’ to move, he ‘felt’ like he needed a new challenge.

Everton signed Iwobi during Marco Silva’s time at the club in a £28m deal with Arsenal, and the 27-year-old has now returned to the capital to link up with the Portuguese coach once more.

Speaking with The Athletic, Iwobi revealed the reasons behind his departure: “It wasn’t an easy decision (to leave),” Iwobi says.

“I enjoyed my time there (at Everton). Especially the last couple of years. I felt like they warmed to me.

At the same time, I felt I needed a new challenge, and Fulham are giving me the platform to express myself and do that.”

Alex Iwobi was perhaps let down by managerial disruptions at Everton

Alex Iwobi took a couple of seasons to get his Everton career going following his 2019 move to Goodison Park but eventually matured and developed as a creative outlet.

Indeed, his versatility saw him play in multiple positions under different managers at the Toffees, but Frank Lampard’s decision to play him centrally got the best out of him.

However, the Nigerian international featured on the right-wing once more during the second half of last season following Sean Dyche’s appointment at Goodison Park.

Once a maligned figure, Iwobi became a player Everton grew to rely on in recent seasons as the Toffees’ found themselves limited creatively following the £60m departure of Richarlison.

However, Iwobi lacked consistency and the club could ill afford to turn down the chance to recoup £22m for the 27-year-old.

Indeed, with Jack Harrison joining on loan from Leeds United and Arnaut Danjuma joining on a temporary basis from Villarreal, Everton exploited the loan market to plug the gap following Iwobi’s departure.