How the dream of Everton Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has almost never been realized

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov explained how his dream of moving to Everton never really materialized.

The Russian international was finally transferred to Goodison Park in 2009 and scored nine goals in 77 participations for the club, in all competitions.

However, the 34-year-old revealed that the move was almost unheard.

The Blues were initially interested in the midfield in the January transfer window, but the Moscow Lokomotiv made sure Bilyaletdinov stays in Russia.

He told the club's official program: "Everton wanted to take me for six months, then in the summer, he had to make the deal permanent.

"But my coach at Lokomotiv did not let me go, to be honest, I thought my opportunity to play for Everton was gone."

Fortunately for Bilyaletdinov however, Everton rekindled his interest in the summer and managed to complete the signing of a four-year contract.

The midfielder said he would still keep in touch with the Blues after spending a good two and a half years at Goodison Park.

"It was really a dream come true," said the 34-year-old.

"Playing for a club as big as Everton, in the Premier League? Amazing.

"I did not have an English visa, so I met the club officials in a hotel in Hamburg.The physical contacts and the signature took a day, everything was fast and professional.

"After five days, I flew to Liverpool for a game with Wigan Athletic.

"I have great memories and have had great experiences at Everton, I will always follow the club and part of my heart will always be at Goodison Park.

"I'm proud to say that I was part of such a great club as Everton."

In fact, the former Blues star is still so in tune with the club and the Liverpool city that he was present at the Anfield derby this season, far from it.

"I came in with the Evertonians," added Bilyaletdinov.

"I wanted to feel the atmosphere and it was fantastic. I was taking pictures and the fans remembered me, which gave me a very good feeling.

"My future wife Maria came with me to live in Liverpool, where our parents and friends came to visit us and organize tours of the city.

"They all loved Goodison Park, especially."