Arouna Kone is confident he can continue his prolific goalscoring record with Everton.
Roberto Martinez’s first signing as Blues boss arrives at Goodison Park having netted frequently throughout his career in several European leagues.
Kone recorded double figures during his one and only season in the Belgium top flight, scoring 11 times with Lierse in 2002/03.
He averaged a goal almost every two league games during his two-year spell with Dutch club Roda and subsequently followed this up with an impressive tally of 21 strikes from 53 league matches at PSV Eindhoven, where he helped them win back-to-back Eredivise titles in 2005/06 and 2006/07.
The 29-year-old was on target 15 times during a loan spell with La Liga outfit Levante two seasons ago and, most recently, he scored on 13 occasions for Wigan Athletic last year – including goals against Everton at the DW Stadium and Goodison Park.
Asked whether he believes he can net regularly for his latest club, Kone told evertontv: “That’s my wish; I hope to be on target as frequently as possible here.
“I have faith in my own ability but I hope that everything goes smoothly and that I can also steer clear of injuries.
“I think that with the quality of squad Everton has, we will have a good season. I hope to score as many goals as I can next season.”
Everton finished sixth in the Premier League next season and Kone is hopeful his goals will again see the Blues challenging at the top of the table this time around.
“Playing for Everton is moving to another level, a slightly higher standard compared to Wigan and so I hope to be on my best form,” added Kone, who has also nine international goals for the Ivory coast to his name.
“I really believe in this team and I think we will have a great campaign next season and I can’t wait to make my debut for this club.”
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