Cote d’Ivoire international midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin joined English Premier League club Everton on a five-year deal from German Bundesliga side Mainz 05 for an undisclosed fee.

Gbamin, while expressing his excitement, said he didn’t think for more than a moment before signing for Everton, a club he said has a big history and ambition.

“I like to go in the duels. I like to run a lot and tackle. I also pass good and have a good transition. All the rest, the fans will see. I will give everything on the pitch,” Gbamin said.

Everton manager Marco Silva praised Gbamin’s development over the last three years and his level of performance in the Bundesliga, one of Europe’s so-called “big five leagues”.

“He is ready for this challenge – to come and help us to keep getting better. He is full of ambition to play for Everton, fits with our model and he will give us different solutions in our midfield,” Silva said.

Gbamin, who plays as a defensive midfielder, becomes Everton’s fourth signing this transfer window following the arrivals of Andre Gomes, Jonas Lössl and Fabian Delph.

Gbamin will wear the number 25 jersey having worn the same number at his two previous clubs, French side Lens and Mainz 05.

“It has been my number since I started to play professionally. My birthday is on the 25th (of September) and my sister was also born on the 25th,” Gbamin said noting he was happy to keep the number at Everton.”

Gbamin has played nine times for Cote d’Ivoire including three appearances at the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations. Despite having played forFrance at every level from Under-18 to Under-21, he switched allegiance to Cote d’Ivoire in 2017.