Everton have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Johnny Heitinga.

Heitinga knows enough about Everton to be well aware of the challenge ahead, and is also looking forward to meeting up with Steven Pienaar with whom he played at Ajax for five years.

"It's a nice club and a club with a big history. I saw a lot of Everton games last season and they have a strong team," he told evertonTV.

"I spoke with the manager earlier and the feelings were good.

"The training ground is really good and it's a typical English stadium and I love it.

"I haven't spoken to Steven yet because he is away with his national team, but I will speak to him soon.

"I am looking forward to linking up with him again because he is a good player."

Everton have paid £6.2m, which could rise to £7m on appearances. Heitinga returned to John Lennon Airport for a flight to Holland to join up with his international colleagues.

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said: "We are pleased the deal has been completed to get John into Everton. He is a very experienced player having played at both Ajax and Atletico Madrid and I know David Moyes is looking forward to getting him started."