Mikel Arteta hailed the “tremendous role” Christian Norgaard played for Arsenal after completing a £7 million transfer to Everton this week.
The midfielder signed a two-year contract on Wednesday to become the Toffees’ second signing of the summer window, following Hayden Hackney’s arrival from Middlesbrough.
The Denmark international joined the Gunners last year in a £10 million move from Brentford to add depth to their midfield.
The 32-year-old, however, barely played for the north London outfit, making just one start in the Premier League, which came on the final day of the season and lasted 45 minutes. He made 20 appearances in all competitions, 11 of which were starts.
Arteta pays tribute to Norgaard as Everton seal transfer
“He played a tremendous role for us,” Arteta said of Norgaard. “When I brought him here I said that he could be our glue player. He has an incredible capacity to bring players together and keep the standards high.
“When he played, he had some really good moments as well. But I understand to fulfil that role for long periods is not easy.
“He has a massive opportunity with a manager and a club I know really well. I wish him all the best and thank you.”
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In his first official club interview after completing the move from Arsenal to Everton, Norgaard said: “It feels amazing. I’m so, so happy and pleased to have joined Everton.
“There were many factors to it; I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger role on the pitch. When I spoke to David Moyes and others involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued.
“My past experience playing against Everton — the atmosphere, the fans — is something I really look forward to experiencing as an Everton player. I remember playing at Goodison when the ground was literally shaking, and when I played at the new stadium last year, I was overwhelmed by how well that soul and intimacy carried over.”
Norgaard’s exit helps make room for Bruno Guimaraes, who is close to completing a £75 million switch to Arsenal from Newcastle United.
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