Soccer: Darron Gibson's move to Everton has been enthusiastically welcomed by Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, who has been urging the midfielder to depart Old Trafford for some time.The Derryman completed his move to Goodison Park this morning when signing a four-and-a-half year deal with the Merseyside club.
Everton paid in the region of €1.1 million for Gibson, though it is believed the fee can be revised upwards depending on appearances.
The 24-year-old played 60 times for United, scoring 10 goals, but his lack of first team action since debuting in the 2005-2006 season has frustrated Trapattoni and the Italian was relieved to hear the news of his move this afternoon.
Speaking to media at Dublin Airport’s Clarion Hotel today, the Italian said: “Can I say? Can I Say? At last!
“I said to him many times, why stay on the bench, on the bench, on the bench. Now he is gone and I say: At last.”
Trapattoni and Gibson have publicly clashed on the issue in the past. In September 2010, the midfielder suggested his international manager was “having a laugh” if he thought it was wise to move from United to a team where he would get more games.
“To move on from Manchester United just doesn't make sense to me,” Gibson said at the time.
It clearly does now. After Paul Scholes (37) was called out of retirement to return to United’s first team it was obvious Gibson was not viewed as a viable option by Alex Ferguson or United.
Gibson, who has played 17 times for Ireland and scored once, took on board advice from Wayne Rooney – and Everton duo Phil Neville and Tim Cahill - and was convinced to move to Goodison Park.
"I was speaking to Wayne about it a bit and after that and coming to see the facilities it was an easy decision," Gibson told local radio reporters. "He told me it was a great club and he really enjoyed his time and the people here. Having a word with him and people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville convinced me to come."
He added: "I was very frustrated [at Manchester United]. It was hard for me at times. I think when I did get a chance I did well and obviously I was getting left out afterwards and I was playing one or two games here and there.
"When Scholesy came back the manager told me I was free to go. Everton had shown some interest a month beforehand and the gaffer (David Moyes) wanted me in so it went from there. It was very frustrating but I think it was the right time for me to move on and I'm looking forward to my time here.”
Gibson now hopes, with Euro 2012 fast approaching, his move will leave Trapattoni with no excuses. "I wasn't playing at United which meant it was hard for the international manger (Giovanni Trapattoni) to pick me. But once I start playing here hopefully he'll have no choice but to pick me."
