Morgan Schneiderlin signed for Everton in January 2017, after failing to cement himself a place at Manchester United.
It was a chance for the midfielder to kickstart his career, having impressed so much at Southampton. In those days, the Frenchman was considered one of the best in his position in the league.
The hope was that back under Ronald Koeman, those days could be recreated at Goodison Park. Ultimately, that wasn’t to be, with the manager leaving Everton in October 2017.
Schneiderlin then continued to see his career slip away, becoming a bit-part player and a figure of annoyance for some Everton fans.
He left in June to sign for Ligue 1 side Nice, and now the 30 year old has another chance to try and get back to the form and influence he enjoyed at Southampton.
Speaking to L’Equipe this weekend, the player was asked if he suffered at Everton due to the club’s instability, and he replied: “I’m not going to call it a mistake but when I left Manchester United, I did it for one person, Ronald Koeman. I’m doing six very good months and he gets fired… Then there were a lot of changes of direction, which is not ideal. It taught me not to just make a choice based on the coach, even if he plays a big role.”
Schneiderlin went on to insist it was his intention to remain in English football, but that Nice’s project specifically tempted him.
It’s not a bad place to live either.