AJ explains Toffees departure
22 Sep 2008 - 12:20:29
Fulham's record signing Andrew Johnson has admitted that he left Everton in the summer after becoming frustrated by being played out of position by the Toffees.
Striker Johnson joined the Cottagers for £10.5million after being utilised in midfield several times last season, although he has denied falling out with Everton boss David Moyes before his exit.
He told The Guardian: "I will always have good memories of Everton, but I have to admit that it had reached the stage where I wasn't enjoying my football there.
"Moving back south was a factor and always something I wanted to do, but the biggest factor was being happy and the truth was I didn't feel happy during the end of my time at Everton.
"I'd like to put the record straight because it's been said that I fell out with David Moyes. The truth is that we never had one argument. We got on really well and I've got a lot of respect for him.
"The problem came down to wanting to play in my best position and the fact I was either out of the team or stuck on the right wing, in a position I didn't like.
"David liked to play 4-5-1, which basically meant there were four strikers going for one place. Yakubu was on fire and there was a lack of midfielders at the club, which meant me playing on the right.
"It wasn't my position and I was frustrated because I wanted to play through the middle.
"I was stuck out on the right wing for nine or ten games and I just think, over time, I lost a bit of confidence and, with that, my form. That's when I stopped enjoying my football."