Tom Cleverley has claimed that Roberto Martinez was a major reason behind his decision to join Everton on a free transfer.

The midfielder found his best form in a season-long loan at Aston Villa, and he was repeatedly linked with a move to Tim Sherwood's side after being released by Manchester United.

However, the 25-year-old elected to make the switch to Goodison Park and he admits that working with Martinez again was key.

"I think Roberto is a great manager and I'm massively looking forward to working with him again," Cleverley told reporters. "We obviously had a year at Wigan together that I really enjoyed.

"He knows me and he knows how I like to play, so hopefully we can hit it off again come the start of the season."

Cleverley made 25 appearances under Martinez at Wigan in the 2010-11 campaign.