DEMARAI GRAY has joined Al-Ettifaq in an £8million transfer from Everton.
The 27-year-old penned a four-year deal with the Saudi Pro League side earlier this week after falling out with Sean Dyche.
He took to Instagram on Thursday morning to bid farewell to Everton fans.
But he also fired a parting shot at club chiefs.
In an official statement, Gray wrote: “After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye.
“I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team.
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“To the fans, you were always incredible – thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt.
“There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer. The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad.
“I was ready to play as much football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen.
“It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing.”
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Everton also released a blunt statement to confirm Gray’s departure.
It read: “Everton have sold Demarai Gray to Al-Ettifaq on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
“Gray moves on after the Blues opted to sell the 27-year-old forward to the Saudi Arabian club. It brings an end to his two-year spell on Merseyside, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
“Gray made 75 appearances and scored 12 goals for Everton. The Jamaica international started his career with hometown club Birmingham City before joining Leicester City in 2016.”
The winger hit out at Dyche last week after falling out of favour at Goodison Park.
He said: “Everton fans have always been great with me. But it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
However, the Everton boss hit back at the comments, claiming: “Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.
“We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so.”
Gray is now set to join Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson at Al-Ettifaq.
Gerrard was appointed as manager of the Saudi side at the beginning of July, while Henderson completed a £12million transfer from Liverpool three weeks later.
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Al-Ettifaq announced the winger’s arrival with a video game-inspired clip on social media.
The video appeared to poke fun at the club’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad, who have so far failed to sign top transfer target Mohamed Salah.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
