Deulofeu aiming high

03 July 2015 14:02

New Everton signing Gerard Deulofeu is targeting Champions League qualification having helped get the club so close in his last spell at Goodison Park.

The 21-year-old graduate of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan as the side finished seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

They had a dip last season after combining domestic duties with European football but there will be no such distractions over the next few months and Deulofeu is aiming high.

"Last time I was here two years ago we finished fifth so this time it would be great to finish fourth and go into the Champions League," said the Catalan forward, who singled out manager Roberto Martinez as a major factor in him returning on a permanent deal.

"He played a very big role but it was my decision. I wanted to come back to Everton - it was great that he wanted me to come back as much as I did."

Deulofeu, after spending last season on loan at Sevilla, added on evertontv: "I am a more mature player now.

"When I first came to Everton I came from the Spanish second division.

"I learnt a lot at Sevilla last season, even though I didn't play that much.

"I am going to carry on learning throughout my career but, yes, I agree, I am a better footballer now than I was then."

Source: PA