Jack Grealisk admitted that Everton has already helped him rediscover his love for the game after producing a dazzling full debut in their new stadium.
The 29-year-old got his first start since he was on loan from Manchester City and went to the occasion, so that both goals were set up in a 2-0 win over Brighton who awarded the Toffees' Premier League Bow in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Grealish Teed Up Iliman Ndiaye to score the first goal in the new house of the club, before he placed James Garner's long -distance attack that sealed the points in front of David Moyes.
The English international said afterwards that he was looking for joy in his football again after a test spell in the city, despite the silverware he won there.
“For me I wanted to come here and the most important thing was to enjoy football, you know, enjoying every day,” Grealish told Bein Sports. 'And I think that in recent years I have sometimes fallen out of love – did not fall out of love, but simply not enjoyed football as much as I should.
“My family told me at times when I was at home and such. Nobody else's coming, it's up to myself. But yes, I absolutely love football and I want that feeling again, if you wake up on a competition day and you just can't wait to go there. That is how I felt today and hopefully my performance showed that. '
The former £ 100 million man added that his welcome to Merseyside has already established him new life.
“I'm here now for just 10 days or something and I enjoyed it every minute,” he said. 'Everyone has welcomed me so beautiful. The manager has been brilliant with me, always spoke with me and let me feel really wanted and loved.
'The group is a good group and I could see that from the outside in recent years. I am really lucky now to be part of it and hopefully we can make many memories together. '
On the field, Grealisk was perfectly connected to Iliman Ndiaye, who scored the historic opener. Asked if the couple could thrive together, he smiled: 'Of course we can do that. Ili is a special football player. We showed that today and hopefully we can link much more in the future. '
The result ensured that Everton baptized their new house with a victory, because the late penalty from Jordan Pickford by Danny Welbeck kept a pillow with two goals on a milestone.
Brighton has since been left behind to restore a succession of missed opportunities, with the woodwork struck twice in the first half before Welbeck saw his spot kick kept out.
The toffees now turn to a Carabao Cup -Stropdas with Mansfield Town on Wednesday, before they stood opposite Wolves in Molineux next weekend.