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Joel Robles relishing competition with Tim Howard after completing move to Everton

The 23-year-old joins on a five-year contract from Atletico Madrid

Carl Markham
Wednesday 10 July 2013 12:33 BST
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Joel Robles of Wigan Athletic celebrates victory
Joel Robles of Wigan Athletic celebrates victory

New Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles admits he is very ambitious and is looking forward to competing with established first-choice Tim Howard.

The 23-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Toffees yesterday and will be viewed as Howard's long-term successor.

However, while the Spaniard is keen to learn from the United States international - Everton's first-team goalkeeper since his arrival from Manchester United in 2006 - he is not fazed by the prospect of deposing him.

Robles spent last season on loan at Wigan from Atletico Madrid and ousted Ali Al-Habsi towards the end of the season, playing in the Latics' historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

"I am a very ambitious goalkeeper. I can't wait to get started at such a big club," he said.

"It is a great honour to come here and work with Tim. He is a great goalkeeper and I am sure I will learn a lot from him.

"Obviously we will be competing together and it's the manager's decision at the end of the day (who he chooses)."

Robles is the third player Everton have signed this summer familiar to Martinez, who has also brought former Wigan players Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz to Goodison Park as well as four members of the Latics backroom team.

The goalkeeper is grateful to extend his stay in the Premier League but he will not be resting on his laurels having secured a permanent deal.

"It was a fantastic experience to come to the Premier League, it is clearly he most important league in the world, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue at a club like Everton," he told evertontv.

"Roberto Martinez being here was a major factor in me coming here.

"I firmly believe that Roberto will take Everton to even greater heights and we are all here to achieve that aim.

"One of the objectives is to compete at the highest level and for Everton to qualify for a European competition would be very nice."

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