Allan details role Richarlison played in convincing him to complete Everton move

Brazil star Allan has revealed how he simply had to join Everton – because his good friend Richarlison insisted.

The 29-year-old midfielder was one of the surprise deals of the summer, with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti sticking to his guns by insisting the club splashed the cash to bring Allan to Goodison despite his
advancing years.

Yet it was the influence of Richarlison that swayed the former Napoli man, who was also wanted by Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Allan said: “I talk a lot with Richarlison when we’re together with the national team and, during the negotiations to come to Everton, he kept asking me ‘When are you coming? We need you here, come here.’

“To hear that from someone like Richarlison was really satisfying. It makes you feel that you’re important, that you’re wanted. That’s something I appreciate and I’ll do everything to help him on the pitch.”

Ancelotti had been promised funds to strengthen the Everton squad, and it was Allan, who played under him for two seasons in Italy, who he identified as a key signing because of his aggression and control in the holding midfield role.

The Italian boss knew he needed experience in that position, and the Brazilian believes he will deliver the passion that will make him a cult figure at Goodison.

Already Everton fans, excited by the arrival of
Colombian international James Rodriguez, have been inspired by a social media clip of the £25million man clenching his fist after a bruising tackle.

Allan, who has won nine caps for his nation, said: “I’ve always been that way since I was a child. I’ve ­always been very competitive, with a strong will to win.

“What we do in midfield and defence is like scoring a goal – winning a 50/50, a tackle, a one-on-one, or clearing the ball – these things are very important.

“If it’s quite a tight game, we celebrate that as if it’s a goal. It’s about dedication, about giving everything on the pitch.”

Allan, who could go straight into the side which visits Spurs on Sunday, said he has come to ­Everton to win big games like that – and deliver trophies.

“I hope to win great things here at Everton. In the life of a footballer, the most important thing is to win
trophies,” he said.

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“Without a doubt we can win something and get a place in the European competitions, which would be very important. There will be a tremendous amount of dedication from me for that.”

He added: “A strong part of my game is the desire to win. That is definitely a ­differential in my game and I ­believe, with my desire, I can put in really good performances to win the fans over.”