Gomes opens up on signing for Everton

Andre Gomes gave his first full interview to the television media today and spoke of how it was love at first sight for him at Everton and that he s pleased to have signed from Barcelona on a full-time basis.

The Portuguese midfielder's £22m move from the Nou Camp was confirmed last week after spending a successful season-long loan at Goodison Park and he opens up on his affection for the Everton fans, the importance for him of a full pre-season and also the possibility of being joined again by Kurt Zouma.

Gomes was the subject of two reported offers from West Ham for his services but he says that he was not aware of who was bidding for him and that his preference was always to stay at Everton.

“We waited until the end of the season because we didn't want to talk during the season with some games to play,” the 25-year-old told Sky's Vinny O'Connor when asked when talks over a permanent contract began. “After the last game, we started conversations.

“Obviously, I was really happy here and I said that to Marcel and Marco and everything went really quickly and I'm glad for that because now I'm here from day for pre-season.

“It was an easy decision because the fans were with me and I have to thank them. Marco and Marcel gave me the confidence and I spent a brilliant year with my team-mates — it's an amazing dressing room, amazing staff… everybody involved with the club so there were a lot things helping me decide.

“Since day one, it was love at first sight,” Gomes continued in reference to the affection showed towards him by supporters,” and I really appreciate what they have done for me. “I came injured so it wasn't easy and from the first game they were with me and it's an honour to be here with them.

“I [told my brother and my agent] that I would prefer to stay here if Everton wants me so that would be the first option and that's what happened.”

Gomes spoke of his time at Barcelona which he described a good experience where he improved a lot despite the challenges he has described previously about a move from Valencia that promised so much but ultimately fell short of expectations on both sides.

He grabbed a fresh start at Goodison Park with both hands, however, and is now looking forward to helping push Everton forward after a hugely positive finish to the 2018-19 season.

“We have our goals and our ambitions,” Gomes explained. “Obviously, we are working step-by-step — we don't want to say we'll finish in this position next year — but we want to reach Europe, of course. That's the goal for the club in the next few years.

“We knew [last season] that our mindset and the way we wanted to play was real and Marco is really great with us. he gave us all the confidence to play in our style and Everton's style. I think the fans were really happy with the way we finished the season.”

Gomes's introduction to Evertonians was delayed by two months because of a hamstring injury that he sustained on Barcelona's pre-season trip to the United States last year and that late start and lack of preparation was cited by many as being the reason why he exhibited noticeable fatigue during the winter months last season.

It coincided with the Blues' own poor spell of form but this time Gomes feels that he will benefit enormously from being at Finch Farm from day one of training.

“I didn't start the first games with the team; I was injured for maybe 10 or 12 weeks. It was hard in the beginning because everything was new for me but I think by the end I felt really comfortable. [Everyone] made me feel really comfortable so it was a really good season.

“For me, it will be really important because it's really only the first or second time that I will be starting pre-season like normal from the beginning,” he said. “Obviously, the most important thing for me is to be the best professional I can be. I will give my best. I want ti improve on last season, I want to be better and do better things and to help the team.”

Having turned his own season-long loan into a permanent deal, André was asked about the possibility of being joined at Everton on a permanent basis by Kurt Zouma.

The French defender is the subject of efforts by the Blues' hierarchy to sign him this summer but the situation has been complicated by Chelsea's transfer ban and the transition in the dugout from Maurizio Sarri to Frank Lampard who was confirmed as the Londoners' new manager this morning.

“Obviously, I can't decide that,” Gomes smiled when asked if he thought Zouma could return. “Kurt played really, really well last season. He's a fantastic guy and a fantastic player.

“Obviously, if Everton want him I would say they should buy him also because he's really good. I would like to have him here but that's personal and maybe you have to discuss it with Marcel and Kurt!”

Gomes also spoke warmly of Phil Jagielka who left Everton after 12 years this summer and is set to return to his former club, Sheffield United.

“I spoke with him, obviously with sadness because he was a very good captain and an important person within the club and on the pitch but it is what it is. I thanked him for the way he took me in and I hope he enjoys the next years.

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