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Toughest decision to leave United-Neville LIVERPOOL, England: Manchester United utility man Phil Neville admitted his leaving Old Trafford for Everton in a 3.5-million-pound deal was the toughest decision he has ever had to make. The 28-year-old is now set to face United on the opening day of the Premiership season after completing his move to Goodison Park, where he has signed a five-year deal. Neville spent 18 years with United, rising through the youth ranks to eventually make 386 appearances for the club. "This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make," he told www.manutd.com. "But I am excited about joining Everton and relishing my next challenge in football. "This was a mutual decision between myself and the manager (Sir Alex Ferguson). I've spent 18 years of my life at the club and I would like to thank Sir Alex, all the players and the fans for their great support. "I am now going to give the same commitment to Everton, David Moyes and the Everton fans. I can't wait for the new season to get started." Neville, whose brother Gary will be in opposition when the new season starts on August 13, leaves with Ferguson's abiding admiration. "This was not a decision we wanted to make, but every time I picked the team and Phil's name was not on the team sheet, it was very difficult for me," said the United boss. "You couldn't meet a better professional and he leaves with the gratitude of everyone at the club for his service to United." Everton boss David Moyes believes Neville's ability to play in a number of roles will be a crucial factor for the club in the coming campaign, which gets underway with a tricky Champions League clash against Villarreal at home on Tuesday. "Phil is a quality footballer who will, I feel certain, improve and enhance the squad we are putting together," Moyes told www.evertonfc.com. "He is very much a professional's professional and I am very happy to have signed him. Primarily I see Phil as a holding midfield player but he is so versatile that he gives us not only much-needed cover but also several additional options. "As everyone knows he is perfectly comfortable playing in the holding role or at either right or left-back. "We have staved off a great deal of competition to get him but from the first minute I spoke to him he only wanted to come and join Everton. His attitude throughout the entire negotiation process has been first class." Neville only signed a five-year deal with United in the summer of 2004 but his slim chances of first-team football have persuaded him to move on. Moyes targeted the player to fill the hole left by the departure of Thomas Gravesen to Real Madrid last January. (China Daily 08/06/2005 page11)
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