Andre Gomes says he feels part of “something special” after completing his permanent move from Barcelona to Everton.

The Merseysiders have confirmed the signing of midfielder Gomes from the Catalan club on a five-year deal following a successful loan spell last season. The 25-year-old Portugal international moves to Goodison Park for a fee of £22m, having impressed manager Marco Silva, and he insists it was an easy decision to make.

“I’m really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it,” said Gomes. “I know the club made a massive effort to sign me and I’m very happy and thankful to them. I said during the year that I felt part of a family and that is the most important thing to me.

“Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here. It was good for me in that moment and right now, after signing for Everton, it’s even better.” Gomes featured in 27 Premier League games for Everton last season, scoring once. After helping Portugal to glory at Euro 2016, he had made a £30m switch from Valencia to Barcelona.

He failed to properly establish himself in the Catalan capital, however, with half of his 72 appearances coming as a substitute before he was loaned to Everton last season. Everton are 5.25 for a top-six finish in the Premier League next season.