Farhad Moshiri has paid a touching tribute to the late Bill Kenwright.
Everton announced on Tuesday afternoon that their long-serving chairman had passed away at the age of 78 following a lengthy battle with illness.
Kenwright was also a member of the Goodison Park board since 1989 and formerly the Blues’ majority shareholder prior to Moshiri’s arrival in 2016.
And the British-Iranian billionaire provided an emotional eulogy to his former colleague, whom he described as a ‘special soul’ and lifelong Evertonian.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my great friend Bill,” said Moshiri.
“Bill was a force of nature and he certainly changed my life nearly ten years ago when he first spoke to me about getting involved with the club he adored.
“He told me about this incredible club, a club that not only has history and heritage but was also a beating heart of our community and for that I will always be grateful.
“He was very persuasive and I invested both into that football club, and also into becoming part of it and joining a new family.
“There can be no mistaking that Bill loved Everton Football Club.
“He spoke with an infectious enthusiasm about every aspect of Everton, from the legends of yesteryear to his unconditional support for everyone that wears the Blue shirt and represents the club.
“Bill loved Goodison Park, a stadium that held so many special memories but he also shared in an incredible vision for our new stadium and when the club moves in I don’t think anyone would have been prouder.
“The new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock will provide an iconic new home for the club on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey and will stand as a lasting legacy to his memory.
“On a personal level I will miss no longer hearing his voice on the end of a telephone many times each day, talking about players, plotting how the club can do better and better.
“Regardless of the natural unpredictability of our game and the associated ups and downs – my friendship with Bill has always remained strong.
“He was a special soul, a man successful in so many different walks of life.
“We will miss him but never forget him. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family at this sad time. Rest in Peace my friend.”