JOSEPH Yobo finally cut his ties to Everton by completing a permanent transfer to Turkish club Fenerbahce.

The Nigerian international helped Fenerbahce to Turkish league and cup triumphs during a two-year loan spell.

Now Everton have accepted an undisclosed fee for the 31-year-old who made more than 250 appearances and played in the 2009 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea during his time at Goodison

Yobo said: “My family have settled well in Turkey and enjoy the life there, so I’m glad they will be re-uniting with friends here.

“The permanent switch is done and I am also switching to help the team do well on the pitch.

“It’s been a long journey into achieving this dream and now is the time to pay the club and fans back with a great performance.”

Yobo joined Everton from French club Marseille, initially on loan, in July 2002 as manager David Moyes’ first signing, making a permanent £3.5million switch the following summer.

He made more than 250 appearances for the club, the last of them in a 0-0 Premier League draw at Stoke in May 2010.

His contract at Goodison Park was due to run until the summer of 2014.

Yobo has signed a three-year deal with Fenerbahce.

The first of his two loan spells was for the 2010/11 campaign when Yobo helped the Istanbul-based side win the league.

He briefly returned to Everton in the summer of 2011 while the two clubs discussed his future, with a second season-long loan ensuing.

Last term he played 42 times for Fenerbahce as they finished runners-up in the league and won the Turkish Cup.

Yobo said after signing his deal at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium: “I would love to thank Everton and the management of Fenerbahce for reaching a deal.”