In a declaration reminiscent of his classy farewell message to Everton, Andre Gomes has spoken of the “beautiful atmosphere” created by “the spirit that the people from the club have,” after sealing a return transfer to Lille. The Portuguese international tugged at the heartstrings of Evertonians back in June when he marked the end of his six-year stint at Goodison Park with a goodbye video that concluded: “You know how much I love you and how much I will miss you.
Having previously turned out for Lille on loan from Everton in the 2022/23 season, making 27 appearances and netting three times, the 31-year-old has returned to the French Ligue 1 outfit, penning a two-year deal having been officially released by the Blues after 114 games and four goals when his contract expired on June 30. Gomes, who cost Everton £22million from Barcelona in 2019 after an initial season-long loan, will wear the number 26 jersey for Lille where his new team-mates include namesake Angel Gomes, who has been called up to the England squad by new interim manager Lee Carsley and is the best friend of Blues midfielder James Garner, with the pair having progressed through the Manchester United youth system together.
