Joao Silva feels he wasn't given a fair shot at Everton.

The Portuguese striker had two years with the Blues between 2010-12.

Now 29, and playing in China, Silva told A Bola: “I think I lacked opportunity.

“My first year as a senior went well, I scored 14 goals, got called up to the Under-20s, and that's when Everton showed up.

“I was excited because my characteristics fit in with the English style of play, and I thought I'd do well. I felt ready for it.

“Since I wasn't playing, I was loaned to UD Leiria in January. I scored four goals, I scored against Benfica, and I remember David Moyes, the coach, praising me after that game.

“I thought I was going to make it at Everton, but everything stayed the same. I had some very strong competitors, international football stars

“Everton didn't play with so many forwards either; they had a different tactic, a set of situations that didn't help."