Ashley Young has described Sean Dyche's role in his move to Everton as the Blues manager "looks to change the club around".
Young has penned a one-year deal and will wear the number 18 shirt at Goodison Park. He becomes the first signing under Dyche, who has acquired the former Manchester United and Aston Villa man on a free transfer.
Everton officially confirmed the arrival of the ex-England international on Thursday morning. Young was a free agent after being released at the end of last season by Villa upon the expiry of his contract.
The Premier League veteran has now joined up with Dyche's side at their pre-season training camp in France. Young, who has amassed more than 400 appearances in the English top flight, will become an experienced figure at Everton.
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"I'm delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club," he said speaking to EvertonTV. "I can’t wait for the season to start and walking out at Goodison Park is going to be an unbelievable feeling and to hear the passionate fans behind me.
"The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none.
"I know things haven’t gone too well for Everton in the past couple of seasons but the manager’s ambition, speaking to him and hearing what he wants to do to change the club around, was a key factor in my decision.
"The other is the size of Everton. It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best. Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity. I'm delighted to get the opportunity to be here and I just want to get started now."
It has been claimed that Young turned down other offers from the Premier League, Championship and Europe in favour of Everton, who are in need of a squad overhaul following back-to-back relegation battles.
Despite being two years off turning 40, Young has dismissed the notion that he won't be able to impact the squad, insisting he is ready to go. And he added that he feels fitter than ever ahead of his debut campaign with the Blues.
He added: "I think there are a lot of qualities I can bring to the team and that’s why the club went out of their way to sign me. I just want to get down to work and show the qualities I've got. Wherever the manager needs me, I know I can go and do a job at a high level.
"I've always said age is just a number for me. I feel as fit as I ever have done – even than when I was younger. Whenever the manager calls upon me, I’m going to be fit and ready to go.
"I hope to use my experience in the squad, too. For me, I've been there and done it and if I can lend a voice to a younger player, that's fantastic.
"When you go on that pitch, there is one captain but there are 11 leaders. Everyone is on the pitch to do a job and everyone has got a voice. It's about helping each other out, having a good team spirit and winning games."
Everton boss Dyche captained Young during his early years at Watford. Since his time at Vicarage Road, Young has added experience at Old Trafford, plus two stints at Villa Park, with a spell at Inter Milan, where he won Serie A.
Dyche noted the experience that Young can bring, highlighting his qualities, saying: "Ashley is a top-class professional whose record of team and personal achievements during a successful career make him an excellent addition to our squad.
"I’ve known Ashley for many years, having been his captain when he first broke through at Watford, and his qualities both on and off the pitch will prove valuable.
"His impressive statistics from last season, which were among some of the best in Europe, highlight what he can bring to Everton."
