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Nikica Jelavic has hailed the unflinching support of Everton fans after he bid them an emotional farewell in an open letter to the ECHO.

The Croatian international striker, who completed a £7.5m switch to Hull City yesterday, expressed his thanks to the Goodison faithful for standing by him through the ups and downs of his time on Merseyside.

Jelavic, 28, agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at the KC Stadium, and although he is excited at the opportunity of more regular first-team football, he admitted he was sad to bring his Blues career to an end.

After a prolific start to his spell with the Toffees the goals dried up for the former Rangers forward, but he insisted that his first five-and-a-half months when he plundered 11 goals in just 16 appearances was the true reflection of his ability.

He said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Everton fans from the bottom of my heart for their support.

“They gave me their backing from day one and never stopped believing in me, which is something I will always remember.

“To score on my full debut in that memorable game against Tottenham was very special, and the feeling of Goodison that night will remain with me. I believe the scoring run which I went on during those first six months is the real Nikica Jelavic and I’m pleased the Evertonians were able to see and appreciate what I’m really about.

“Everton supporters have a special way of making you feel like one of them, and even when I was not in the team in more recent times I always felt they were behind me.”

In pictures: Jelavic at EFC

Jelavic has won 31 caps for his country, and his desire to make the Croatia squad for this summer’s World Cup was the main factor behind his move to Humberside after two years with the Toffees.

“Playing for Croatia is something I also take huge pride in and with a World Cup on the horizon I was in the situation of needing to play more games to make sure I remain in Niko Kovac’s thoughts ahead of the tournament in Brazil,” he said.

“Unfortunately that wasn’t happening at Everton, and Roberto Martinez was very honest and upfront with me about his thinking.

“When I went to meet Steve Bruce I realised it was the right move to a club with the potential to become a top Premier League outfit.

“Steve’s ambition was clear, as was his desire to see me playing and scoring goals.

“While I’m sad to wave farewell to Everton and all my friends; it is time for my next challenge. I’m only pleased that I was able to say goodbye with two goals in the FA Cup win against QPR, and share some special celebrations with them one last time.

“I hope to be celebrating many more goals in future, and I’m excited to get going at my new club. But you can guarantee the Toffees will remain in my heart. I hope they can go on to fulfil their ambitions this season and I will always look out for them.

“Hvala vam i sretno (Thankyou and good luck).”

The hunt for someone to replace Jelavic continues, with Martinez mulling over a number of candidates from the Blues’ temporary training base in Tenerife this week.

He admitted that recruiting a replacement forward is high on his agenda this month – although the arrival of Aiden McGeady has already bolstered his attacking options.

“What is important is that Aiden McGeady arriving has given us a bit more strength in the wide areas and there are many flexible players who can fill in to that number nine position,” he said.

“But it (attack) would be an area that we are looking at before the window closes. We are looking at the options to see if there is a player with the right profile who would fit into the squad.”

The Catalan has reiterated that Hull’s offer for Jelavic was accepted in order to meet the striker’s wish to secure regular football.

He added: “We agreed the deal and it was down to Nikica to make his decision. I do believe when I spoke to Niki that he was clear that he wanted to join Hull. He felt he would get the opportunity to play the games he needs ahead of the World Cup.”

Jelavic's letter in full

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Everton fans from the bottom of my heart for their support during my time at Goodison.

They gave me their backing from day one and never stopped believing in me, which is something I will always remember.

To score on my full debut in that memorable game against Tottenham was very special, and the feeling of Goodison that night will remain with me.

I believe the scoring run which I went on during those first six months is the real Nikica Jelavic and I’m pleased the Evertonians were able to see and appreciate what I’m really about.

Everton supporters have a special way of making you feel like one of them, and even when I was not in the team in more recent times I always felt they were behind me.

Playing for Croatia is something I also take huge pride in and with a World Cup on the horizon I was in the situation of needing to play more games to make sure I remain in Niko Kovac’s thoughts ahead of the tournament in Brazil.

Unfortunately that wasn’t happening at Everton, and Roberto Martinez was very honest and up front with me about his thinking.

He listened to my concerns and said he would try and do the right thing for me.

When I went to meet Steve Bruce I realised it was the right move to a club with the potential to become a top Premier League outfit in the coming years.

Steve's ambition was clear, as was his desire to see me playing and scoring goals.

While I’m sad to wave farewell to Everton and all my friends; both in the changing room, around the training ground, and the fans in the streets, it is time for my next challenge.

I’m only pleased that I was able to say goodbye with two goals in the FA Cup win against QPR, and share some special celebrations with them one last time.

I hope to be celebrating many more goals in future, and I’m excited to get going at my new club.

But you can guarantee the Toffees will remain in my heart. I hope they can go on to fulfil their ambitions this season and I will always look out for them.

Hvala vam i sretno (Thank you and good luck)

Nikica Jelavic