FELLAINI OUT TO IMPRESS

Fellaini - Everton's club-record signing.

Marouane Fellaini is hoping to take the Premier League by storm after joining Everton for a club-record fee.

The Belgian midfielder sealed a £15million switch from Standard Liege to Goodison Park just before last week's transfer deadline.

He is delighted to have signed and feels he has been rewarded for all the hard work he has put in over the last couple of seasons.

Fellaini could make his debut against Stoke on Sunday and he is looking forward to playing on such a big stage.

"I was mentally prepared to leave Standard," Fellaini told the club's official website.

"I could have made progress in Belgium, but I felt it was the right time to depart.

"As a young lad, I would dream of being a professional football player and make appearances in one of the biggest leagues in the world. And my dream has come true.

"I worked my socks off to reach my aim and I have succeeded in doing so, with the help of God.

"I am happy with this transfer, one of the biggest ever. But money is not of overriding importance: at the end of the day I have to show my skills on the pitch.

"Standard were not actually willing to sell me but Everton made them an offer too good to refuse. They (Everton) have shown respect and have confidence in me."

Fellaini admits that he wanted to leave Belgium after becoming disillusioned by attitudes towards him.

The 20-year-old, who is of Moroccan descent, does not believe he was properly appreciated.

He explained: "I'm on the shortlist for the Golden Shoe, but I did not win any prize the past two years.

"I had a great season with Standard and we clinched the title and yet I did not win any prize, apart from the Ebony Shoe for the best African player (or player of African descent) in the Belgian league. It felt like they wanted me to move abroad.

"I knew on that day that Belgian football is not my cup of tea.

"I was outstanding last season. I am glad we won the Belgian title and I am happy to have won the Ebony Shoe award.

"That was not bad at all. But that is history from now on. This transfer is a just reward for me."