'I expected to get some grief' - How Everton fans surprised Andrei Kanchelskis after transfer from Manchester United

Former Everton winger Andrei Kanchelskis has spoken about his affection for the club and its supporters, still following the action is closely as he can to this day.

The winger spent almost one-and-a-half years at Goodison Park, beginning with a tumultuous transfer saga arriving from Manchester United. His move along the M62 was blocked due to former club Shakhtar Donetsk claiming the Red Devils had still to pay fees for his initial transfer to England in 1991, but in the end Kanchelskis would get his wish to play for Everton.

"It’s no secret that I perhaps hold a lot of affection for Manchester United given it was my first club in England and we enjoyed great success, but the fans at Everton are special," he told the Blues' website in the latest edition of the My Everton column.

"I cost a lot of money when Everton signed me, more than £5million. Then I got a bad injury after just two games. But I felt no pressure from the staff or fans to be rushed back."

Everton close in on second transfer with Arnaut Danjuma breakthrough

Everton transfer latest as Brian Brobbey becomes summer target

The injury the ex-winger refers to was dealt by former team-mate Lee Sharpe when Everton faced Manchester United, and kept him out of action for a month.

"I expected to get some grief from fans for being out for so long, but it was the opposite. Every time I saw Everton fans at that time, it would be like, "How are you? Get back soon".

"This shows how loyal Everton fans can be. I’d come from Manchester United, it felt different there and still is now. When things are good, the fans are great. But when they aren’t it can change quickly. I think Everton fans show more loyalty, win or lose they keep supporting you.

"There are not many clubs