Andre Gomes says his relationship with Evertonians was “love at first sight” – and the midfielder is aiming to improve on the form which wowed his club’s supporters last season.

Gomes completed a permanent transfer to Everton from Barcelona last week following a successful 2018-19 on loan at Goodison Park.

The Portuguese’s debut last term was delayed by a hamstring problem but he made up for lost time with a succession of polished displays following his first start against Crystal Palace in October.

And when it came to making a call on his future this summer, the 25-year-old insisted remaining at Everton was his “first option”.

“It is a new chapter and a new challenge,” said Gomes. “I want to improve from last season and keep growing.

“I was really happy here and said that to Marco and Marcel [Brands, Director of Football].

“The fans were with me from the start and I have to thank them.

“From day one, it was like love at first sight. I really appreciate what they have done for me.

“I came injured so it wasn’t easy, but from the first game they were with me and helped me a lot.

“I know the Club much better and it is an honour to be here.

“If Everton wanted me, it was my first option.”

Gomes played 78 matches for Barcelona following a 2016 transfer from fellow Spanish team Valencia.

He won one league title and two domestic cups with the Catalans.

But Gomes, capped 29 times by his country and a member of Portugal’s 2016 European Championship winning squad, reckons Everton are getting a more mature player than the one who left Valencia for the Nou Camp three years ago.

“Barcelona was a really good experience, I improved a lot and played with some of the best players in the world: Messi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets.

“Now I know the game much better.

“The opportunity at Everton [last season] was really good and a new start. People gave me the confidence to come here and enjoy my game, which was what I was trying to do.

“Marco and Marcel gave me confidence. I had a brilliant year with my teammates, it is an amazing dressing room.

“It was hard in the beginning, but I started to feel better in the games and with my teammates.

“At the end it was really good and I felt comfortable."