Traore: I am pleased to have chosen Everton

New Everton loan signing Lacina Traore has said that he was very close to joining West Ham until Everton came in with a late offer and he chose the blues because he though Roberto Martinez passing style suited him more than the Sam Allardyce lumping it forward to the big man style.

West Ham were in pole position to sign the 6ft 8 Ivorian and even secured a work permit, but Everton made a late move for the striker and he is standing by his choice.

“It was quite close but Everton was my choice,” said the striker.

“I looked at the styles of play of the two teams we are talking about and the way in which Everton play is more of a passing side and the style of Everton suited my technical ability.

“Also I looked at where they were in the league and they (Everton) were quite well off for points in the league so I think with that sort of emphasis on skill and the passing game I am hoping I can settle in as quickly as possible with my style of play.

“There were other clubs interested in me at the beginning but I knew Everton had a good possibility of getting into European football next season.

“I am pleased I have made this choice and I am standing by my choice of this club.”

Roberto Martinez was also delighted to get his man and said there is more to Lacina than just his height and says he is technically gifted and very quick with it too.

“He is a very hungry footballer which, at this stage of the season, is very important,” said Martinez.

“His size will give you the wrong impression of the way he is as a footballer.

“He is technically very gifted, he has a real understanding of the space and combination play around him and is really quick with his penetrating runs, he is a real athlete.

“All those aspects make us a little bit different because we haven’t got that sort of player with that presence and height.

“He is a footballer who is going to bring us a lot.”

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