Stay in control of the latest Blues news with our Everton newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Paulo Fonseca has revealed why he decided to stay at Shakhtar, saying the people 'need' him to remain at the Ukrainian champions.

But the Portuguese coach admits he was tempted by interest from elsewhere, amidst speculation Everton were ready to bring him to England.

The Blues showed interest in Fonseca, who has led the Donetsk side to consecutive league titles and the Champions League last 16, as they prepared to part company with Sam Allardyce.

But just 48 hours after Allardyce's departure was confirmed, Fonseca penned a new two-year deal with Shakhtar, ending speculation he could be heading to the Premier League.

The 45-year-old, who has also had spells with Porto and Braga in his homeland, explained how backing from the board, as well as the 'project', tempted him to stay with his current side.

"Over the two seasons, we’ve won almost everything in Ukraine," he said. This year, we’ve also had a great Champions League campaign, which made me somewhat more famous abroad.

"The truth is that there were other proposals that made me assess the situation.

"And at the same time, I understood that I wanted to continue this project - to work at the club who received me very well.

"I feel great in this country, they respect me here. I have a special relationship with all people, and it’s clear that I wanted to continue working here.

(Image: CARLO HERMANN/AFP/Getty Images)

"At the same time, I have my ambitions. I had to think carefully about what would be better in terms of my career, and realised that for the moment that's staying here and continuing the work I began two years ago."

Speaking on how he continues to feel wanted in Ukraine, he added: "It’s clear that the president of the club always has some influence. His willing to leave me here really influenced my final decision.

"There’s one thing that’s most important to me: I must feel that people want to see me here. And I sensed that in case of the president. That’s really very important and it was decisive.

"I feel that people need me and I want to be just where people believe in my work."