Danish midfielder, Christian Norgaard has departed Arsenal to join Everton for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Norgaard’s move comes just a year after he joined the Gunners from Brentford and went on to make 20 appearances in all competitions, as Arsenal won the Premier League title and finished runner-up in Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal however decided to move the 32-year-old defensive midfielder on as part of their midfield evolution amidst his need for regular game time and accepted an offer from Everton, which led Norgaard to sign a two-year contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Speaking about his move to evertontv., Norgaard explained that game time was crucial to his decision to join the Toffees and is excited to join a third Premier League club in his career.
“There were many factors to it. I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger football role. When I spoke to David Moyes and others at the Club involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued. Coming here just makes that feeling even stronger.
“Also, my past experience of playing against Everton: the whole atmosphere, the fans, is something I really look forward to experience as an Everton player. It’s a big, big honour for me, and it’s something I’ll do my very best, not only on game days, but in general to remember how much it means for people who support this club.
“It will be my mindset to represent the Club in the best possible way.
“I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere as an Everton player. Goodison was amazing. I just remember the ground was shaking – literally shaking. Then we came to the new stadium last year and I was so surprised because you often see clubs lose that intimacy and atmosphere.
“But I was so overwhelmed by how good the atmosphere was as well. So I can see that the soul from Goodison has been brought to the new stadium.”
Norgaard added that he had spoken with Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta who advocated for him to make the move and play under Moyes.
“I spoke to him quite a lot about the potential move. And he had only positive things to say about Everton and also David Moyes.
“He played for him for a long time and the whole experience he had as an Everton player seemed to me as if he had a fantastic time here and really also excelled as a player under David Moyes. Hopefully I can get the same feeling as an Everton player.”
Arteta meanwhile paid tribute to Norgaard to arsenal.com as he praised the Dane for his contribution to their success last season and bringing a high-level culture to the club.
“It’s a message of admiration, love and I’m very thankful for what he brought to the club, how he helped us to win.
“I think behind the scenes, we haven’t seen what he’s done, but I think he’s a player that has a unique quality to make others better, to maintain a culture to the highest standards.
“And then his contribution on the pitch when he played and had his minutes. So it was difficult to let him go. I understand it’s a stage in his career that he needs to play and fulfil as well, all their dreams, but (we’re) forever thankful.”
Norgaard echoed Arteta’s sentiments as he explained to evertontv. that he will bring leadership to the group in a push for European qualification.
“I think leadership is something I have to bring and it’s something I will bring without really thinking about it. Hopefully that will fit in really good with the culture and with how the players are here.
“I think the Club is moving in the right direction and last year was proof of that. I thought there were so many good players in the team and Everton was so difficult to play against.
“Last year they were in the mix for the European spots and I think that probably leads into this season as if we can take another step and fight for an even higher place. There is a lot of optimism around the place. I can’t wait to join in on that.”
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