Lucas Digne has accused one individual of ‘destroying a beautiful love affair’ in a very cryptic parting message to Everton fans.
The left-back’s three-and-a-half year stay at Goodison Park has come to an end with Digne sealing a move to Aston Villa for a reported £25million fee.
Digne made 127 appearances for Everton but played no part in their last eight outingsGetty 
And he’s now teamed up with Steven Gerrard at VillaGetty
He was very much a mainstay in the Toffees starting XI until his final few weeks at the club where he fell out of favour under manager Rafael Benitez.
There were numerous reports of an alleged bust-up between the pair and while Digne didn’t name any individuals involved, his lengthy statement suggests there was a falling out between him and someone at the club.
It read: “Thank you for three-and-a-half years in Blue. From day one the Evertonians have received me with a lot of warm feelings, and I am forever thankful for that. I have loved to be a part of the Everton family.
“I have always worked hard to give back to the fans on and off the pitch. I have loved the unity of fans and players. Not only Goodison on a matchday but also in everyday life.
Since Digne joined Everton in 2018, only Trent Alexander-Arnold has created more chances in the Premier League than him. Digne has created 211, while the Liverpool star has created 267Getty
“Only one year ago I signed a new contract with the ambition of staying in this club for a long time, giving everything for my club, for the development and project, that I believed in – and for the passionate fans.
“My dream was helping the club back where it belongs. Wearing the captain’s armband in some matches always made me proud.
“Everything must come to an end. I just did not expect it to end this way.
“What has happened and some things that was said about me in the last month has made me very sad. But I will not enter a war on words with anyone.
It’s been suggested Digne has fallen out with Benitez, who’s under significant pressure following a bad run of resultsGetty
“The club don’t deserve that, the fans don’t deserve that – and to be honest, I don’t feel that I deserve that.
“There are so many good and decent people in and around Everton who want the best for this club and not only for themselves – and to them I can only say from my heart: I wish you the best!
“Thank you, to all you wonderful, proud and passionate true Evertonians. It has been an honour and a true pleasure to play for you, the fans, the people – because a club do not belong to a player or a manager, but to the fans.
“I will always carry you with me in my heart wherever I go.
“Sometimes it only takes one person from outside to destroy a beautiful love affair. All the best to @everton and Evertonians.”
Everton left a short and not so sweet statement confirming Digne’s departureeverton fc
Things appear to be similarly frosty at Everton’s end as they released a very brief statement confirming his move away.
It read: “Lucas Digne has completed a transfer to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.
“Left-back Digne played 127 games and scored six goals for Everton after joining from Barcelona in the summer of 2018.
“The 28-year-old, who counts Lille and Paris Saint-Germain among his former clubs, has made 15 appearances this season.”
Villa’s trip to Everton on January 22 should be an interesting one…
BETTING OFFER OF THE DAY
888Sport – Bet £10 Get £30 + £10 Casino Bonus – CLAIM HERE
New customers only. Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.5) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expires after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days • Casino bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org
