Yesterday evening Everton confirmed that goalkeeper Joel Robles had moved on for pastures new.
The 28-year-old, in his final interview, said he would remember every game he played with ‘pride and honour’ as he acknowledged the ‘great fans’ for their support of him across the last five years.
Having joined from Atletico Madrid back in 2013, the Spaniard went on to make 65 appearances for us and he was certainly saying all the right things as he signed a new deal with La Liga side Real Betis this week.
THANK YOU Toffees!! You'll always be in my heart!! #COYB ????⚽ pic.twitter.com/ws2oMLYs4Y
— Joel Robles (@joelroblesb) July 5, 2018
If you click the image his full words can be read. The most salient part I think is.
“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to wear the shirt of such a great Club like Everton and be able to play at Goodison Park in front of such great fans for the past five years. It has been five unforgettable seasons. I want you all to know that I will always remember every game I have played for Everton with pride and honour. Also I would like to mention that I will always be grateful for the treatment I have received from the president, managers, coaching staff, teammates and club officials throughout my time at the Club. But, above all, I want to say ‘thank you’ to each and every one of you for making me feel like one of your own. #COYB.”
65 games in five years wouldn’t normally see a player given such a send-off, but that’s a testament to Robles’ attitude and efforts on the pitch when he was called upon.
No doubt some Evertonians will be following his progress at his new club closely, as he was certainly wished the best when news of his move broke yesterday.
Class this all the best ???????????? pic.twitter.com/A5mUoEk9ce
— jenny (@_jennifer1878) July 5, 2018
Nice tweet, great pro!
— Paul Clews (@PaulClews2) July 5, 2018
Love you mate. pic.twitter.com/XSzex67qZV
— Darren (@nsno_83) July 5, 2018
Good luck Joel. I always thought you were a quality keeper and should have had more game time. Loved your passion and commitment as well. Best wishes for the future pal. #onceabluealwaysablue
— Dave (@daveblue9) July 5, 2018
Thanks for going out of your way to say hi to me after one of the matches I went to last year Joel! I’ll never forget you going back to your car to get some gloves to give to a couple of kids. A big thank you for everything from California and best of luck in the future!
— Reilly (@NSNOReilly) July 5, 2018
Good luck. Never let us down. Once a blue always a blue.
— John Vanderwerff (@JVBlueboy) July 5, 2018
Classy Joel good luck in the future ????????
— Martin Hagedorn (@HagedornMartin) July 5, 2018
Class ???????? What a professional ????????
Thank you for the passion and loyalty you showed to @Everton ????
Good luck for the future Joel ☘️⚽️????— ????Jags6 ⚽️ EFC ???? (@BlueSarah1878) July 5, 2018
Fantastic player, good luck as a number one elsewhere! You are one of us- once and blue always a blue ????
— Soph✨ (@sophieblue04) July 5, 2018