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New Manchester United manager David Moyes told reporters that leaving Everton at the end of the season had not crossed his mind until just a few days ago, when the Scotsman was approached to take over from Alex Ferguson.
"It was very difficult [to leave]," Moyes said at a press conference. "I've got great respect for the chairman [Bill Kenwright], and we've had a great relationship. He's a real good guy and he's been great to me. It was a difficult meeting, but one he totally understood. He knew that this was just the way it was going.<br />
"I wasn't planning to leave Everton, my contract was running out but if you pushed me my mind was swaying towards staying at Everton. I had everything in place for next season, all the preparation ready and pre-season underway. <br />
"All we've ever done here is keep planning and preparing for what's next, and that's what we've done. <br />
"I want to thank the fans for the support they've given me. It's not normal now that a manager stays in a job 11 years these days, so I have to thank them for their backing."
Written by Kemal Patel
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