Gomes feels ‘more like a man’ at Everton

Everton midfielder André Gomes believes his loan stint in England has helped him become more of a man.

The 25-year old midfielder, signed by the Toffees on a season-long loan from Barcelona in the summer, believes he has put his difficult spell with the Catalan club behind him, as he goes from strength to strength in the Premier League.

Having signed for Barça from Valencia in a deal worth €55million in 2016, Gomes failed to live up to his expectations at the Nou Camp. However since moving to Goodison Park, Gomes has seen his career, and the subsequent interest in his services rejuvenated.

Talking to Sky Sports, Gomes explained how the move to Merseyside has helped him become more of a man. Gomes said:

I feel more like a man now. Now I feel mature and experienced. I’m really happy to be in the Premier League and England.

My father was, and is still, the big influence on me. Sometimes it is difficult for him because he suffers a lot when I am not happy or good.

[At Barca] It was tough for me because I wasn’t feeling good. I had good moments, but in the bad moments it was difficult because I saw my father and mum suffering.

It was really difficult for me to take care of expectations, not only from the fans, but my expectations and seeing my parents suffering. It was complicated. I’m enjoying football again.

I can’t say I’m playing my best football, because I don’t want to put pressure or walls [on my potential]. I just want to get better physically, to give the best performances that I can.