Conor Coady says he is privileged and honoured to join Everton after completing a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers – and revealed how an inspirational phone call with manager Frank Lampard “was one of the best conversations I’ve ever had”.

The England international added he was “desperate” to complete the move to Goodison Park, citing his desire to drive the Club forward and make the Blues’ loyal and passionate fanbase proud.

Coady will spend the 2022/23 campaign with Everton following seven exemplary years with Wolves, where he had been the Midlands club’s full-time captain since 2018.

The 29-year-old outlined the key qualities he hopes to bring to the Blues.

“I’ll give absolutely everything, every day, for this football club,” he told evertontv. “I feel privileged and lucky to be given this opportunity.

“I’II try to talk and communicate as much as possible and prepare right for what's to come at the weekend – because the most important thing for this club is winning games.

“We want to sure we're going out and making supporters happy and improving the Club at the same time.

“I'm someone who was desperate to come here, to play for this club.

“I know how big it is and I know the passion people have for Everton. It's an important day and a proud day for me to get it over the line.”

On his excitement about playing for Lampard, he added: “The first conversation I had with him was a little bit surreal.

“He's one of the greatest English players of all time, one of the greatest midfielders of all time. It's probably one of the best phone calls I've ever had.

“Listening to the way he speaks about Everton, the passion he has for the club and the city and how he wants to improve was just amazing to hear.

“I'll be honest with you, I had goosebumps talking to him.”

Coady also explained the key influence Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell had in bringing him to Everton.

Thelwell, who previously held the role as Sporting Director at Wolves, signed Coady when he joined the Molineux club back in 2015.

“Kevin understands me as a player and knows what I bring,” Coady added.

“He knows the type of person I am and the conversations I had with him were just fantastic.

“I just felt so comfortable when talking about Everton with him.

“I think that is what he does – and that is what is so good about the manager, as well. They make you feel comfortable in their presence.”

Coady explained he is savouring the prospect of experiencing Evertonians’ vocal backing at Goodison Park and on the road, revealing how he watched closely as the fans united to drive the team on in the final weeks of last season.

“I watched all the videos of the supporters outside the ground,” Coady said. “There would be a moment where you’d think “Woah, imagine being a part of that!”

“You feel it when you come and play at Goodison as well. 

“You know that when they get up behind the team, it’s giving the home side a real advantage. I want to be a part of that, enjoy that and take that in my stride.”

Coady boasts a remarkable record of playing 196 of Wolves’ 198 league matches over the past five seasons.

The two games he has missed over the past five years were through suspension and having to quarantine after coming into contact with someone who had contracted COVID-19.

“I think the biggest thing about playing football is trying to make sure you are ready for every single game,” he said. 

“I know injuries occur and things happen for certain players. I had to miss one with COVID and I was absolutely raging at one point. It was one of the worst days of my life because I missed a game of my life. It was horrendous!

“I don’t believe in wasting a day in football. Our careers are very, very short. If you waste a day, you fall behind.”

The 29-year-old has been a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squads ever since making his senior international debut in 2020.

Coady, who has won 10 caps for his country, says he is eager to book a spot in the Three Lions party that will travel to the winter World Cup, but underlined his full focus is now on Everton.

“It [the World Cup] is something every English player wants to be a part of it,” he said. 

“But all I want to do at the minute is to be a part of Everton Football Club

“The only thought on my mind is trying to help this Club and make it better.”

And he revealed one member of his family was particularly thrilled he has completed his move to Everton.

“My little boy, who is five years old, trains here at Finch Farm every week,” he said.

“He loves Everton. He loves everything about the Football Club. He was running up and down the back room when I told him I was signing here.

“It's a proud day for my family. I'll give my all every single day I come in here.”