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Mangala will bring experience and energy to Everton

Cape Town - Eliaquim Mangala says he is delighted to have joined a team with "quality and ambition" following his switch from Manchester City to Everton.

The 26-year-old former France international defender moved to the Toffees on loan on transfer deadline day, joining permanent signings Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott at the club.

He was allowed to leave the runaway Premier League leaders despite playing 15 games in all competitions this season and 79 times in total since his move from Porto in 2014.

Mangala did spend last season on loan in La Liga with Valencia, playing 33 times, before retuning to City this term.

Speaking to the club's official website after being unveiled, the eight-timed capped Frenchman said: "Everton is a very good team with quality players, and I want to play in a team that has a lot of quality and ambition.

“I want to bring my experience and all my energy. There is already quality and experience at the Club but it is very important for me to come here and add something more to the team.

“I am fresh and fit and very motivated – and I am very excited about showing my qualities here.

“I am ready to play and ready to win games – like tonight [the 2-1 victory over Leicester City], that is the most important thing for me."

He added: "As a defender, I am very solid, I like to challenge. Clean sheets are the most important thing. I have the mentality at the start of every game that we are not going to concede. That is the basic for a back-four – then, if you are very stable at the back, it is easier for the whole team."

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