Manuel Fernandes is delighted to have returned to Everton.
"I heard stories I wanted to leave but that is not true. If that was the case I wouldn't have come back now. It was difficult with a club and a group owning me - that was the difficult part in the negotiations but the important thing now is that I am back.
"Knowing the people and knowing the club played a big part in my decision to come here again. This is the best team for me.
"I hope we can consolidate fourth place. It will be difficult to get up to third but we want to stay as high as possible."
He added: "The fans I have seen have been really nice. It is nice to come and know your work is appreciated. When you are in a place and things don't go well you start thinking if you made the right decision.
"I think this is a good move. Permanent would be better but I will enjoy it for six months. The togetherness there is here is the kind of thing I have not seen in many clubs. That is the real strength of this team."
Has Fernandes been impressed by the progress made by the side in Europe and domestically in the first half of this campaign?
"I am not impressed by what the side has achieved this season because I know what the team is capable of from my time here and they have brought more quality players in," he explains.
"Players who were injured last season are playing now and I think the team is really strong. I have come to help as much as I can.
"I cannot play in the Uefa Cup but most of all I have come to a club I already know and it will be easy to fit in again.
"I am not in top condition because I haven't played as readily as I would have liked but it is good we don't play until Sunday so I have seven days to get as fit as possible.
"I hope to be in the team and I will be working hard to do that. I hope the international clearance comes through in a few days."
