07 September 2023 , 10:18
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Demarai Gray has confirmed his Everton exit on his social media channels before the club had announced the departure.
The winger has been involved in a verbal spat this week with Sean Dyche regarding his lack of playing time and has now opted to make the move to Saudi Arabia, where he will play for Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq, joining the likes of Jordan Henderson.
Gray announced that he was heading to the Middle East at 10.15am with the club not due to communicate it until 10.30am. The 27-year-old moved to Goodison Park in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen and initially impressed before struggling for minutes with Dyche accusing him of failing to train to force through his exit.
The player said on Instagram: “After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye. I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team. To the fans, you were always incredible - thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt. There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer.
"The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad. I was ready to play as much football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen. It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing. Thank you, Demarai”
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Gray hadn't featured for the Toffees this term and after they picked up their first points of the season at Sheffield United on Saturday the player went public to justify his lack of minutes, igniting a war with his coach who was quick to hit back.
"Everton fans have always been great with me but it's so difficult to play for someone who doesn't show you respect as a person," said Gray, in what was a clear dig at Dyche.
The Toffees boss responded: "Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move [away from Everton] and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player. We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club's say-so. That's the truth of it.
"We look after these players; we look at all the different ways of looking after them. Mental and wellbeing is big, the tactics and technical, the physical. We look at all of that for all these players and we look after them. When it comes to a time like that then you go, 'Well, hang on a minute.
"'You made it clear you didn't want to train, you didn't want to be here, and you also said there was a move that was a done deal'. We said it's not a done deal because this club is the most important. This club will make decisions on the future of you as players and not the other way around. I think it's right to let our fans know that's the truth."