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Sometimes clubs have got to be prepared to look in unusual places for their next gem.
And Everton proved stars can be found in every form of the beautiful game back in the early Nineties. The Toffees went hunting for a new signing and cast their eye at the Major Indoor Soccer League.
The US league ended in 1992 but still gave Everton the chance to sign Preki – remember him Toffees fans? The midfielder headed to Goodison Park in 1992 with manager Howard Kendall splashing out £100,000 following a trial.
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Preki made 53 appearances for the Blues, though 28 of them did come off the bench but it's not bad going for someone who was used to playing indoors. He had been starring under a roof for the previous seven years.
Preki bagged three goals in first season on Merseyside after overcoming a pre-season shoulder injury. But he never quite found his feet in the Premiership.
What are your memories of Preki? Let us know in the comments section below
“I always felt I had a lot of catching up to do,” Preki previously told the Everton match day programme. “It took me two years to get my legs. When I was young, I had an extra gear and could go past people with ease.
“When I got my legs back, even in my mid-30s, I was able to do things on my own, I never depended on anyone else.
“It was so frustrating for me at Everton. You could see what I had in certain moments but I wanted to be more.
“Physically, it was not realistic because of how much I lost playing here [United States]. I would go back to the training ground every afternoon for extra work, boxing training, all sorts.
“When you spend seven years away from the game, it is so difficult. I knew, knew, I had so much more to offer.
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“I wish I was at Everton when I was young and in my prime.”
Preki returned to indoor football after two seasons with Everton though did return to England for a short spell with Portsmouth. He is currently an assistant coach with Seattle Sounders in the MLS.
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