New Everton defender Lucas Neill has revealed that he moved to Goodison Park because the club was the right fit for the Australian international. Since becoming a free-agent, the 31-year-old has attracted interest from many overseas clubs and began to contemplate a move abroad.
"It was tough (waiting) but it was about making the right decision. It was really worth the wait," he said.
"It was all about being at a club where I knew I was going to get an opportunity to play and make an impact and further myself as a player.
"My gut feeling was strong about this one and I'm delighted about it. The manager didn't have to sell the club to me, it was all about the opportunities I would have in the squad and what he wanted me to do as a player.
"The moment I ran out of contract I wanted to get back into it but it was about having the right feeling.
"I was prepared to wait as long as it took to get that feeling. Would I like to have signed for Everton two months ago? Of course, but these things don't always work out when you want them to.
"There was a lot of waiting for phone calls and meetings, getting offers and talking it over with my family and here we are.
"For a long time I was thinking: 'Do I want a new challenge, new lifestyle and learn a new language?'.
"I was really turned on by doing that and for the first month of the off-season that was all I was thinking about.
"But as the offers were coming in I got the feeling: 'Do I want to change everything coming up to a World Cup or do I stick to what I know?'."