The Nigerian striker, 24, has left Middlesbrough under something of a cloud with club owner Steve Gibson saying: "He switched off halfway through last season and we don't really know why."

Yakubu has not scored in the Premier League since February but arrived at Goodison Park today and said: "I want to be playing in Europe, I do not want to be at a club struggling against relegation.

"I had a good time at Middlesbrough over two seasons. But in the end things were not working there and I decided to leave.

"It was a big decision but for me I felt it was the best time for me to leave. They had good players and a good manager, but it was the right time to go."

Everton boss David Moyes clearly expects a committed centre-forward with Yakubu's arrival taking his summer spending to over $50million.

Moyes said: "He scores goals and we are hoping that his work rate is what we expect at Everton.

"If it is not then he will soon find out what the supporters think of him, because that is what happens here.

"This is a club that works hard but Yak knows that, he knows the rules and he will abide by them.

"He gives us pace and power, pace in particular. Andy Johnson has that too and you can see how it unsettles defenders in the Premier League.

"We now have a centre-forward who can deliver the goals we need. We have only managed one in the last two games and we have to improve on that.

"If we can put another 10 to 15 goals onto the team's tally, it will improve on where we finish. They could be vital to us.

"Nobody is guaranteed a first-team place but I have seen enough already in training to know he is a goalscorer.

"He also has experience in Europe. He has had plenty of that from the UEFA Cup and we hope we can utilise that."

Moyes still intends to spend more before the transfer window shuts tomorrow night.

He added: "I believe we could have maybe two more in by then."

Yakubu also believes he can deliver the goods at Goodison, adding: "I have said I want to be at a club that is playing in Europe and Everton have players who can do that.

"Playing against them you could see what they were trying to achieve and the effort and passion being put in.

"They have a great spirit and character and they all want to be successful. I want to be part of this and to help achieve something for this team.

"I believe I will blend in well here, there is such spirit in the dressing room and that is something I want to be part of.

"They know what they are looking for and it is a great feeling to be involved at Everton.

"I have always been impressed by them, from when I have played against them and from talking to my countryman Joseph Yobo, he has told me a lot about the team and the club and how they are aiming to move forward.

"They are in Europe, they want to do well in every competition and being in this atmosphere is my dream.

"Being Everton's centre-forward is a great pressure, but all my life I have lived under pressure. I am used to it and hope I will be able to give them my best.

"The manager has explained that it is not just about goals, but that we have to work as a team. As a striker you always want to score goals but you must realise that it is more important to play as a team."

Yakubu, who was granted a new work permit yesterday, added: "I do not expect to play every game, that is up to the manager. There are good quality strikers here so I know I will have to fight for my place.

"My job is to score, I want to score more than 20 now this season. I will work and believe in myself.

"We have quality here, there is no reason Everton cannot do well. Even while I was at Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, I could see what was happening at Everton and I was impressed."