Neville supported by big brother in Toffee transfer decision

PHIL Neville has the full support of brother Gary as he embarks on a new career with Everton.

Neville supported by big brother in Toffee transfer decision

Phil and Gary have been at Manchester United from their school days, pinnacles of Alex Ferguson’s Old Trafford empire.

But now Phil, 28, has joined Everton in a £3.5m deal, admitting that being separated from his brother will be the hardest thing for him to overcome.

Phil will make his debut for the Toffees in Tuesday’s Champions League home qualifier with Villarreal and his Premiership debut will be against Gary and United at Goodison Park next Saturday.

He said: “Gary is pleased for me, next Saturday though will be difficult for me and all the family, but he is excited for me as well.

“He knows I wanted to play more football. He supports me in every way and I will support him in every way.”

Phil’s lack of first team involvement at United was the key to his move and at Everton he will instantly become a crucial, experienced part of boss David Moyes’ plans.

Everton have bought an England international who has played 65 games in Europe and has a Champions League winners’ medal.

That is priceless for an Everton team with hardly any European experience and facing next week’s crucial third qualifying round first leg aware of the financial rewards for success.

But when Phil steps out without his brother around in the ranks, it will be a shock to his system.

He said: “It will be the first time I have been in a team without my brother. It was hard to leave United but it is going to be strange to play without my brother for the first time in my career.

“It is something I have got to live with. I have to make new friends here at Everton, but obviously my brother is there for life.”

Phil wants to look forward to a new phase of his career and the prospect of regular action to enhance his chances of being in England’s World Cup final squad next summer.

He said: “The prospect of playing more regularly and that is something the manager stressed to me, but I am under no illusions. This team finished fourth last season and I have got to fight my way into it, it won’t be a walkover to be playing every week.

“I am not a big time Charlie, I have the same work ethic as the rest of the players here. This club has been built in recent times on that and I hope I can fit into that type of pattern.

“I hope to see out my career at Everton. Loyalty has been a big thing in my life. For the next five years I am committed to Everton and hopefully beyond that.”

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