Former Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has now reflected on his time at Goodison Park after a two-year spell with the Blues.
The Bosnian international left the club as a free agent this month after failing to agree renewed terms but has now opened up on his ‘difficult’ time at Everton.
Speaking with talkSPORT, Begovic states that Everton are a ‘fantastic’ club, but it didn’t take him long to realise that there are ‘bigger issues’ at the Blues.
When asked about his time at Everton, the 36-year-old said: “Certainly difficult. When I go back two years, people say: ‘Why in the world Everton?’
It’s easy to say now but at the time, you were looking at a fantastic football club with a fantastic group of players. When you get in there, you realise there are bigger issues.
We obviously had some financial issues and a lot of inconsistency people running the place so that makes it very difficult for the staff and the players.”
Begovic reflection of Everton highlights sad state of affairs
Begovic made a total of 10 appearances during his time at Everton, yet served under three different managers during his two-year stay – Rafael Benitez, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche.
Indeed, Everton’s financial issues are no secret and the managerial merry-go-round has impacted the stability of the club over recent seasons.
Despite his age, Begovic has been a very decent second choice goalkeeper during his time at Goodison Park and having such an experienced player around the club is always an asset, especially at times of instability.
However, the former Stoke City and Chelsea player turned down the offer of a contract extension and has decided to move on this summer.
Begovic will perhaps mostly be remembered by fans for the shocked expression on his face when the Just Stop Oil campaigner cable-tied himself to the Gwladys Street goalpost during last season’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United.