Everton have announced the arrival of former Shakhtar Donetsk creator Bernard on a free transfer.
Bernard has been a free agent since his contract expired earlier this summer and the Brazil international even turned down a huge new offer from Shakhtar.
Everton have won the race for his signature and even fended off late interest from Chelsea, with Marco Silva seen as key to that.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Toffees and becomes the third signing Silva has made as Everton head coach.
“I chose Everton because of all the things I had heard about Marco Silva and after speaking to him I was happy with what he said to me,” he told the club’s official website.
“The manager made me feel confident about playing here. He is a very good coach and he has achieved really good things at other clubs.
“Everton is a club with a great structure and a lot of tradition, historically the fourth most successful club in England. When I found out about this opportunity and what the manager wanted out of me I was happy.
“That is why I made my choice, because of the confidence both the manager and the club showed in me. I did not need any convincing to come here. I believe I will be able to show my best as a player here.”
Bernard is also the second Brazilian arrival at Goodison Park this summer, following the shock £40m capture of Richarlison from Watford.
His arrival is a real coup for Everton given Shakhtar spent €25m to sign him in 2013 and there was not only interest from Chelsea, but also Inter.
Bernard finished last season as Shakhtar’s joint-top scorer in the Champions League (3), even netting in their shock 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the group stage.
