Abdoulaye Doucoure has signed a new contract at Everton, keeping him at Goodison Park until June 2025.
The Malian midfielder has been ever-present for the Toffees in the Premier League so far this season, netting three goals in the club's opening 10 games.
Doucoure was also the man who scored the pivotal goal that kept Everton in the top flight last season, finding the net in their 1-0 win over Bournemouth on the final day.
The club's official social media accounts confirmed the news on Friday lunchtime, accompanied with an interview by the 30-year-old.
Sitting down in front of the club's cameras, Doucoure said: "It was a very easy decision to make. I love the people around the club and all the fans who have shown me so much love in the past couple of months."
Doucoure endured a troubled spell during the tenure of Frank Lampard, as he barely featured after falling out with the ex-manager over his lack of minutes.
After being signed by Carlo Ancelotti in 2020, Doucoure was a regular under the Italian, and then also under his replacement Rafael Benitez.
Following a turbulent 12 months under Lampard though, Doucoure instantly returned to the fold when Sean Dyche was appointed manager, and he has featured in a previously unfamiliar role just behind the sole central striker.
© Reuters
The tactic has paid off as Doucoure has scored eight Premier League goals since Dyche was appointed early in the year, including that crucial one on the final day of last season.
"It means a lot to stay here. I always fight for this club and I have always been in love with the club," Doucoure continued.
The midfielder also thanked manager Dyche for believing in him since his arrival, and he stated he played a factor in him signing a new contract.
"He (Dyche) changed everything, since the manager came in I think I have shown everyone what I am capable of. The manager did an incredible job to keep me here."
The confirmation of a new deal ends any speculation that Doucoure may leave the club in the near future, despite reports of potential interest from clubs in Europe.
As Doucoure's contract was set to expire next summer, clubs on the continent were believed to be interested in agreeing a pre-contract with the midfielder in order for him to join on a free once his deal was up.
Doucoure is set to start for Everton when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, after being rested for their EFL Cup success in midweek against Burnley.
