Roberto Martinez feels it was the right time for Victor Anichebe to leave Everton.
The Nigerian international moved to West Bromwich Albion on transfer deadline day in a deal worth up to £6m.
A product of the Club’s youth system, the 25-year-old moves on having made 131 appearances with the Blues.
Martinez told evertontv: “Victor grew at Everton and came through the ranks. He has had a terrific time at the Club but I think it was the right time for Victor to start a new challenge and it was clear that Victor was happy to do that. I have to respect that. Everything was done in the right way and Victor will always be remembered with fondness. We wish him well for the next chapter.”
Anichebe agrees it was the right time to make a move.
He said: “It was a wrench to leave Everton. I had been at Everton 15 years since I was a child so it was difficult to leave. But I think it was the right time to leave.
“When you move somewhere – especially after being at Everton for so long and Everton being my team, I love Everton – for me to leave there has to be some connection and I felt that with West Brom. When I knew there was interest I knew I was going to come here [to West Brom].”