Leighton Baines has revealed his doubts in self-confidence which almost wrecked his summer move to Everton.
Defender reveals low self-confidence
Leighton Baines has revealed his doubts in self-confidence which almost wrecked his summer move to Everton.
The defender joined The Toffees for £6million in August after leaving Wigan, but Baines has now admitted his fears after signing at Goodison Park.
Baines, who has made six appearances for Everton this season, says he harboured serious concerns that he would not be accepted on Merseyside.
"I've always struggled in terms of self-confidence," Baines told The Guardian.
"I was desperate to join Everton but, once everything went through, I worked myself into a bit of a state.
Settled
"I was worried that it would be really hard to settle in, that my face might not fit. And I was worried about what the established players would think of me.
"I thought they would look at me and wonder what the hell some lad from Wigan Athletic was doing there."
However, Baines insists he is now well settled and feels at home with Everton.
"As soon as I arrived I realised how normal everyone was," added Baines.
"Everyone has bent over backwards to make me feel welcome and that has really helped me.
"It wasn't anything like as bad as I imagined and it's been surprisingly easy. I have felt at home from the first few days, whereas I didn't think that would be the case."
