Apostolos Vellios

After stints in Belgium, Denmark and a brief return to his homeland, Greece, Apostolos Vellios returned to English football with Nottingham Forest for the 2016/17 season.

- Mike Taylor

But the striker will always have Everton close to his heart.

“Tolis”, as he became known during his time with the Blues, first moved to English shores at the tender age of 19, turning down the advances of Fulham, Bologna and Greek giants Olympiacos and AEK Athens to sign a four-year deal at Goodison Park.

A new language to learn, a new culture to adapt to – but the Greece international insists his teammates, the Club’s staff and supporters quickly made him feel at home in foreign surroundings.

There was, however, one aspect of English life the Blues could not help with.

“The first month was a little bit difficult, but people in the team – and everyone around the Club – really helped me with anything I was struggling with,” he explains. “Everyone made it feel like home very quickly. But, in terms of the weather, that was difficult because obviously Greece is a little bit different!

“But it was great, I only have good memories of my time at Everton. I have to mention the way the fans treated me as well because that meant everything to me.

“When they support you well, it allows you to play better and you want to do it for them. It is so important. I loved the relationship I have with Evertonians. They made me an Evertonian and I will be an Evertonian forever.”

In total, Vellios made 22 substitute appearances and just two starts for the Toffees, but managed to net three goals during a three-and-a-half stay on Merseyside.