Gerard Deulofeu was a fantastic servant for Everton across his two spells at Goodison Park.
The Spaniard scored eight goals and provided 17 assists in 75 appearances for the Toffees before returning to Barcelona in June 2017 – helping Everton accumulate a record 72 points in the 2013/14 campaign when finishing fifth.
Life has since taken a turn for the worse for Deulofeu, who has not kicked a ball in three years after an anterior cruciate ligament led to an infection, which ate away at the cartilage in his knee.
The Spain international has now spoken to the BBC about his experience, and Everton got a mention.
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Gerard Deulofeu reflects fondly on Everton but forgets Watford while discussing severe injury
The man born in Riudarenes has made more appearances for Everton (75) than any other club throughout his career. Watford – who Deulofeu played 70 games for – are the closest.
The 31-year-old seems ready to accept the fact he might never play football professionally again, sending his gratitude to Everton and more of his former clubs when saying: “Imagine if that type of injury happens when you are young? You are completely gone, your career.
“So I am grateful to play this career with AC Milan, Barcelona, Everton, Sevilla… I won the Europa League, I play for my national team, I score. What can you demand more? Let’s see now if I can continue my career or just be grateful to be part of ten, 12 years in that amazing sport.”
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Udinese and Deulofeu – who still interacts with Everton online – agreed to terminate his contract back in January 2025 due to his prolonged absence, but the Italian side continue to support the Spain international on a daily basis by allowing him to use their facilities and physios.
Everton need a new Gerard Deulofeu
The Spaniard was something of a Swiss Army Knife for Everton, as he was capable of playing well on the left or right flank – as well as the centre at times.
Deulofeu – who adores Everton fans – was incredibly versatile, and seemed to deliver more often than not regardless of which position he was deployed in.
David Moyes could badly use a weapon like this right now, with his current attacking options fairly regimented in their positions with little fluidity.
Someone like Harry Wilson – who Everton wanted in January – would be ideal, given he can perform to a high level in a No.10 role and on the right flank.
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David Moyes quote on having Wayne Rooney back at Everton in a dream scenario.
Credit: Getty Images/Jamie McDonald.
Hopefully, Everton can bring a versatile attacker like Deulofeu or Wilson to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer without having to break the bank.
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