Expressing her enthusiasm about the move, Payne spoke to evertontv, stating, "I’m super excited to be an Everton player. It’s been my dream to play in the UK and in such a strong league like the WSL. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play at a club like Everton with so much history in football."
Payne, who has earned over 21 caps for Nigeria, was a notable presence in the Super Falcons' squad during the 2023 World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand. Reflecting on her decision to join Everton, Payne highlighted her eagerness to embrace new challenges and contribute to the club's legacy.
"I see such a rapid growth [in the WSL] and it’s something that I’m really excited and eager to be a part of," she added.
Manager Brian Sorensen expressed his delight at securing Payne's signature, emphasizing her versatility and experience both at club level in Spain and on the international stage. "She is exactly the type of player we need," Sorensen stated. "I’m 100-per-cent confident Toni can fit right into our team and into this league because she has a wealth of experience."
Describing Payne's attributes, Sorensen highlighted her agility, intelligence, and capability to adapt across various positions in the forward line. "Toni can play across the front line and in behind but can also do combination play and drop into midfield. All of these qualities make her a great asset and she will be an important player for us," he affirmed.
As Everton prepares for the upcoming season, Payne's arrival signifies a strategic move to strengthen the squad and build upon their competitive edge in the Women's Super League. Her ambition to grow and excel aligns seamlessly with the club's dynamic style of play, promising an exciting partnership on the pitch.
Toni Payne is currently with the Nigeria's Super Falcons team in France as they continue preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympic, where they will fine-tune their strategy ahead of their opening match against Brazil on July 25th at Stade Bordeaux. Nigeria will then face Spain on July 28th and Japan on July 31st in what promises to be a challenging group stage.
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