Tottenham Hotspur agreed an £85million deal with West Ham for the midfielder and the Portuguese has now spoken about the transfer
Mateus Fernandes has admitted that Roberto De Zerbi was a huge part of his £85million move to Tottenham Hotspur from West Ham.
Spurs broke their transfer record to sign the 21-year-old midfielder and are set to smash it again with the arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle in a move worth £100million including add-ons. Now Fernandes has explained that his chat with the club’s Italian head coach was a major part in his signing.
“I’m very excited for this next step. Tottenham is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join,” he said. “When we spoke it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game.
“I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club.”
The feeling is mutual with De Zerbi having wanted to work with the Portugal international for a while.
“I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play,” said the Spurs boss.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”
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Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange added: “I’m delighted to welcome Mateus to the club. He is a player with outstanding technical ability, intelligence and maturity, and even at a young age, has shown he can perform consistently in demanding, high-pressure environments.
“We believe this is the right place for Mateus to take the next step in his career, working with our outstanding coaching staff and alongside an ambitious and talented group of players.
“I know our supporters will enjoy watching him, as he has the talent, mentality and work ethic to become a very important player both for the present and the future of Tottenham Hotspur.”
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