Everton midfielder Andre Gomes says his decision to join the Toffees was the best one he could have made following his switch from Barcelona.
The Portugal international is currently on a season-long loan with the Merseyside club and, although his first few months were hamstrung by injury, he has since impressed under Marco Silva following his debut against Crystal Palace last month.
The 25-year-old has admitted that he had several other offers during the transfer window but was ultimately swayed to the Premier League side following advice from a number of influential figures, including former Everton defender Phil Neville and ex-Barcelona teammate Lucas Digne.
“I am sure I made the best decision [to join Everton],” Gomes told the club website.
“I spoke with Phil Neville, too. I am good friends with him from my time at Valencia, and he played here and he knew how the club works.
“I spoke to Lucas Digne, too. He played with me in Barcelona, he signed two or three weeks before me and he gave me information about the Club and the facilities.
“I am glad to be at Everton now and really happy with the decision. I am getting confidence and better every day so I am really happy with that.
“Of course, I had other offers. Marco was very important for me - the way he spoke to me and the confidence he gave me. I spoke with him a few times before I made the decision.”
Gomes, capped 29 times by his country, also showered praise upon the team spirit fostered at Goodison Park since his arrival, crediting it with helping him to settle quickly to life on Merseyside, while highlighting it as a strength that can help drive the club onto success.
“It was easy for me [to settle in],” Gomes added. “The boys here are amazing. The spirit and the way you feel like part of a family is really important – and all the boys here and the staff and Everton are amazing. And the fans, too, the way they receive you is great.”
Everton next face Brighton on November 3 before a trip to Chelsea eight days later ahead of the international break.