Richarlison, Tim Cahill and other members of Everton dressing room react to Lucas Digne’s exit to Aston Villa

Lucas Digne has completed his Everton departure.

The left-back has joined Aston Villa for a reported fee of around £25 million.

His departure comes after a falling out with Toffees boss Rafa Benitez last month. The pair are said to have had a dispute over tactics.

Digne joined Everton from Barcelona in the summer of 2018.

During his time on Merseyside, he's been a firm fans' favourite, having taken up the mantle from club hero Leighton Baines impeccably.

In total, Digne has made 125 appearances for the Blues, scoring six goals.

But after being omitted from three match-day squads and telling Benitez he wanted to leave before ast Saturday’s FA Cup win at Hull City, it was only a matter of time before he was sold.

The France international took to Instagram last night and posted a lengthy message ahead of his Goodison Park exit.

He admitted that he did not expect his Everton career "to end this way" and he wished the club his best wishes moving forward.

Several of Digne's current team-mates have responded to his message.

In reply, striker Richarlison (@Richarlison) wrote: "Good luck my brother."

Meanwhile, midfielder Allan (allanmarques91) replied in Italian and said: £In bocca al lupo fratello.” It translates to £Good luck brother."

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic (asmir1) said: "Good luck my friend!"

Alex Iwobi (alexanderiwobi), who is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, posted: £All the best bro.”

Joao Virginia (1joaovirginia), who is currently on loan at Sporting Lisbon, said in Spanish: “Mucha suerte hermano.” It translates to £Good luck brother.”

There was also a message for Everton hero Tim Cahill (@tim_cahill).

The attacking midfielder, who played 278 times for the Toffees, said: “Good look on your next chapter.”

Former Everton winger Bernard, who left last summer having played alongside Digne, pointed that there are “people who don’t want the same goal as most” at Goodison.

He said: “Perhaps not everyone understands what goes on behind the scenes. I love Everton as you do too, but unfortunately there are people who don’t want the same goal as most. I love you bro, and I’ll be rooting for you, wherever you go!”