Nikica Jelavic writes open letter to Everton fans following switch to Hull City
The striker wants the best chance of going to the World Cup
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Your support makes all the difference.New Hull striker Nikica Jelavic has written an open letter to Everton fans in which he admits his concerns over his World Cup place forced him to move.
The Croatia international completed his transfer on Wednesday and hopes a new start at the KC Stadium will help him ahead of this summer's tournament in Brazil.
However, despite a disappointing second half to his two-year stay on Merseyside, the 28-year-old expressed his gratitude.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Everton fans from the bottom of my heart for their support," he wrote in his letter, published in the Liverpool Echo.
"They gave me their backing from day one and never stopped believing in me, which is something I will always remember.
"I believe the scoring run which I went on during those first six months (scoring 11 times in 16 appearances after his move from Rangers) is the real Nikica Jelavic and I'm pleased the Evertonians were able to see and appreciate what I'm really about.
"Everton supporters have a special way of making you feel like one of them, and even when I was not in the team in more recent times I always felt they were behind me.
"Playing for Croatia is something I also take huge pride in and with a World Cup on the horizon I was in the situation of needing to play more games to make sure I remain in Niko Kovac's thoughts ahead of the tournament in Brazil.
"Unfortunately that wasn't happening at Everton, and Roberto Martinez was very honest and up front with me about his thinking.
"When I went to meet Steve Bruce I realised it was the right move to a club with the potential to become a top Premier League outfit. Steve's ambition was clear, as was his desire to see me playing and scoring goals.
"While I'm sad to wave farewell to Everton and all my friends; it is time for my next challenge.
"I'm only pleased that I was able to say goodbye with two goals in the FA Cup win against QPR, and share some special celebrations with them one last time.
"I hope to be celebrating many more goals in future, and I'm excited to get going at my new club. But you can guarantee the Toffees will remain in my heart. I hope they can go on to fulfil their ambitions this season and I will always look out for them.
"Hvala vam i sretno (Thank you and good luck)."
PA
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