ANTHONY GORDON insists it was never his intention to “disrespect Everton”, and is hoping his boyhood club can reinvest the £45m they secured for his services in order to safeguard their Premier League status.

Gordon’s move to Newcastle United was completed today, with the 21-year-old attacking midfielder signing a long-term deal at St James’ Park.

Having come through the Everton academy, the England Under-21 international’s relationship with the Toffees became strained last week as he failed to turn up for training for three days in a row as negotiations with Newcastle continued.

Gordon is delighted to have completed his move to Magpies, which makes him the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history, but he regrets the way in which the transfer eventually came about.

“It was a really difficult decision and it’s been a really tough week for me,” said Gordon, who cannot make his debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton as he has already played in this season’s competition with Everton.

“I’ve been at Everton for my whole footballing career so far, so it’s been difficult, but this is an opportunity that I couldn’t really miss out on. I didn’t mean to disrespect or offend anyone at Everton, and I’m hoping they know that and hopefully they can reinvest the money now and stay in the Premier League.

“I never imagined it or wanted it to go like that, that’s why it’s been such a tough week for me. But I just couldn’t miss out on this opportunity and they got a lot of money for me, so I’m hoping they can reinvest it into the squad.”

While Everton attempt to remain in the top-flight, Gordon will turn his attentions towards trying to help Newcastle retain their current position in the Premier League’s top four.

The midfielder cannot wait to make his Magpies debut, and is confident he has joined a club that can help him take his career to the next level.

“Since I heard of the interest in the summer, I was always convinced that Newcastle were for me,” said Gordon, in an interview with NUFC TV. “I think the fact that the fanbase and the city really suit me as a person, and the way the team is playing under the gaffer at the minute really suits me too. The club just look like they’re heading in the right direction.

“I feel like it’s a really big step, and I feel like people haven’t really seen what I’m capable of yet. I think under the gaffer, and the way the club’s going, I can really excel being here.”