Farhad Moshiri has sent a farewell message as his Everton reign ends.
Moshiri’s eight-and-a-half years at Goodison Park officially concluded with Thursday’s announcement of The Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club.
The British-Iranian billionaire took control of the Blues in February 2016 but saw his tenure blighted by a succession of on and off-field mistakes throughout that time.
He also presided over several failed takeover bids with one from 777 Partners allowed to run until last summer, when the Friedkins emerged as potential suitors.
But in a final open letter to supporters, Moshiri admits to feeling ‘mixed emotions’ when looking back on the fullness of his time in the blue half of Merseyside.
He said: “When I look back on my eight years as the custodian of this historic club I reflect on how much has changed.
“We have transformed an ageing playing squad, playing at a historic but small and costly stadium, into a younger team, which will see further strengthening, set to show their talents at a state of the art, 53,000 seat stadium on the banks of the River Mersey.
“Much effort has gone into creating this iconic stadium, combining the opportunities for a modernisation of the commercial offering while preserving the atmosphere of Goodison.
“It will be a place for all Evertonians, and the wider community, to enjoy for decades and decades to come.
“When I purchased the club eight years ago, I knew it needed to be modernised, both with a new stadium and also at the training ground, which has seen much investment.
“We also moved to our wonderful head office in the Royal Liver buildings.
“However, I fully understand that in football that results on the pitch are paramount and over those same years they frankly haven’t been good enough.
“We brought top class managers like Carlo Ancelotti to the club and who knows where we might have been had he not been lured back to his first love Real Madrid.
“Believe me when I say that I truly wanted those results to be better, and I have tried to provide the club with the resources it needed.
“We enjoyed some memorable moments but sadly too few. However, I believe I will be leaving it in a materially better place than the one I inherited.
“I will always remain an Evertonian, this club gets into your blood, and I will be back to watch games from the Everton Stadium stands for many years to come.
“It has been a privilege to be custodian and I know you will give Dan Friedkin the same warm welcome you gave me.
“I think he will be an excellent custodian and I have been impressed with the diligence, professionalism and thoughtfulness of his team. I sincerely wish him the best and I know you will join me in supporting him in every way that you can.
“Finally, I would like to send my best wishes to Sean and Kevin and the playing team.
“I would also like to thank Colin, the executive team and the amazing staff at this great club who work tirelessly and give everything on a daily basis.”