Dele Alli said he wanted to rediscover the joy of playing football after Frank Lampard made the move to Everton in an attempt to revive his faltering career.
The England midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Goodison Park, marking the end of his seven-year stay at Tottenham late in the transfer window, which closed on Monday.
Allie, 25, was a member of Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad, but has struggled under a succession of managers at Spurs in recent seasons and fell out of favor with England.
“I’ve had some really good conversations with him (Lampard) already and he’s a player I’ve admired throughout my career,” Allie told Sky Sports.
“It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to work with him now and hopefully I’m sure we’re going to have a great job together.”
When asked about his main motivations for the move, he said that he wants to enjoy the game.
“I just want to be happy playing football and I think working with Lampard and the great players he’s met there is a great opportunity to do that.
“I’m excited to be out there and show the fans what I can do and help the club as much as I can.”
Alli’s move comes just hours after Everton confirmed former Chelsea boss Lampard as Rafael Benitez’s successor.
Lampard also took on the services of Donny van de Beek on Deadline Day, with the Netherlands midfielder joining him on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.
The 24-year-old joined United in 2020 in a £35 million ($47 million) move from Ajax, but made just four Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.
“I think it’s a great club,” van de Beek told the Everton website. “There are really good players here and I came because I want to help them move up the table.”
Everton are just four points above the relegation zone, having won just once in the Premier League since the end of September.
Ally and van de Beek are both in a cup-tie for Lampard’s bow against Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday at Goodison Park.
But they will be free to make their debut against Newcastle on 8 February in a crucial clash at the bottom of the Premier League table.
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