Anthony Gordon sent a heartfelt farewell to Everton after completing his move to Newcastle, but the feeling was not mutual from his boyhood club.
Gordon was unveiled at the north east club on Sunday afternoon following a £45million transfer.
Things had soured in recent days with the youngster going AWOL from training and then handing in a transfer request in order to leave.
The winger had joined Everton as an 11-year-old, after being released by Merseyside rivals Liverpool, and climbed up through the ranks into the first team.
Gordon played 78 times, scoring seven times, before leaving for high-flying Newcastle.
He leaves a manager-less Everton battling for their Premier League survival, with fans turning on the owners.
A number of players were the target of recent frustrations with social media videos showing supporters directing their fury at Gordon.
However, the 21-year-old still penned a lengthy message to the fans about his time at the Toffees, where he insisted he never took the criticism personally.
He wrote: “To Everton… I came to this club at the age of 11 and not only did it give me a place to play football but it gave me a second family. The club has shaped me into the footballer and more importantly the person I am today, it has given me everything I could have asked for and more.
“Like any young scouser living two minutes from the stadium, I dreamt of scoring inside Goodison, in front of thousands with the fans cheering my name. I remember travelling to away games with my mates, singing the players’ songs and dreaming it would happen to me. Last year felt so surreal because all my childhood dreams were becoming reality. I wish I could relive some of them days but I’ll settle for the memories, which will last a lifetime for me.
“To the fans, you gave me some of the best nights of my life. You made me a better player. I have always thrived off your energy and you always made me run harder and faster.
“There has been some difficult moments this year but I never took any of it personally; stick by the team because they need you.
“I’ve built so many good relationships over the years with players, fans, coaches, and other members of staff and am going o miss everyone deeply. Although the past two years have been tough at moments, the people inside Finch Farm always made me come in with a smile.
“I want to thank everyone that has helped me over the past 11 years I’ve been at this amazing club, there are way too many people to name but I will forever be grateful for the time people have invested in me.
“I love this club and I always have from the day I joined but the time has come for me to lave. I know many won’t understand but the next chapter awaits. I will always wish the best for this club and always be watching on.
“From the bottom of my heart thank you and good luck. Anthony.”
This is in stark contrast to the blunt 64-word statement Everton released following his departure, confirming Gordon had handed in a transfer request.
Everton’s statement issued on Sunday read: “Anthony Gordon has joined Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.
“The 21-year-old forward leaves Everton after having submitted a formal transfer request.
“Gordon joined the Club’s Academy at the age of 11 and made his senior debut as a 16-year-old in a Europa League tie in December 2017. He went on to make 78 First-Team appearances, scoring seven goals.”
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