Summer signing Andre Gomes has revealed the key influence that former Everton captain Phil Neville played in his decision to join the club.
The Portugal international swapped Catalonia for Merseyside as his joined the Toffees on a season long loan from Barcelona, and the 25-year-old has credited Neville’s part in the deal.
“Phil [Neville] was also really important because we’ve worked together before,” he told Sky Sports. “We are really good friends and he played here for many years.
“He was important in understanding the club and knowing how it works here. I was happy to have spoken with both [Neville and Marco Silva].”
OPINION
It’s easy to forget that Neville and Gomes worked together at Valencia during Phil’s brother Gary’s ill-fated time as manager of the Spanish giants. Obviously that didn’t quite pan out but it’s clear that Gomes and Neville developed a bond, and Everton have reaped the benefits. Things like this can often be the difference between a player choosing one club or another, and on this occasion it has gone in the Toffees’ favour. The club’s supporters will be extremely grateful to Neville for his intervention because it’s seen them pick up one of the most naturally gifted midfielders in Europe – albeit only on a temporary basis. Gomes has started life in England fantastically in the past couple of games, and fans now know that Neville is somebody they need to thank. The former Everton skipper obviously still cares about the club deeply and was more than willing to put in a good word for them where Gomes was concerned.