Everton hero Niasse sends message to boss Koeman

Oumar Niasse insists he bears no grudge against Ronald Koeman after the Everton striker came in from the cold in spectacular style this weekend.

Signed by former Toffees boss Roberto Martinez in January 2016, the striker fell out of favour with Koeman and was stripped of a squad number, banished to the under-23s and even reportedly refused a locker.

But a loan spell with Hull last season showcased what Niasse could do and the striker’s redemption appeared to be completed when he came off the bench to score twice against Bournemouth and ease the pressure on his manager.

Now Niasse insists that while his time in the shadows was difficult, he insists he just wants to belatedly get on with his Goodison Park career.

“It was a difficult time for me but I wouldn’t say anything against anyone here or against the team,” Niasse said.

“He just said this was a new opportunity for me. I didn’t want to go over the past with him. There is nothing to say about that.

“He said (last year) I wasn’t ready and maybe I wasn’t ready. I went away, I learned and I have come back stronger.”