Andre Gomes reveals he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid as he feels they’re a better fit for his personality and he shares the club’s philosophy.
Gomes has completed his switch to Catalonia from Valencia for an initial €35m, with a further €20m in bonuses and €15m if he wins the Ballon d’Or ‘several times,’ and spoke of his happiness at signing in at Camp Nou.
“I want to thank the club for the confidence they’ve show in signing me. It’s very important for me to be here. I thank my family and my agent [Jorge Mendes] for his work. It’s an honour to wear the Barca shirt. It’s a dream for me and my family is satisfied,” he said, AS reports.
“If I had to choose, I had to choose the best. And I don’t think I have made a mistake. I’m very happy to belong to this club. I had to choose the club that was best for me and my family. I didn’t hesitate, it was very clear. There was no doubt, I had to choose and I think I chose the best.
“The most important thing is what the Coach asks for and needs. I have to adapt to the philosophy of the club and to everything to do so soon. I will try to show my ability. I don’t care where I play, on the left or the right.
“I’ve spoken to Luis Enrique. I’ve thanked him and he was very happy. He asked me to work and I told him I am very eager to start working.”
Asked to explain why he didn’t become a Madrid player despite strong links to Santiago Bernabeu, the Barca transfer coming out of nowhere, Gomes spoke of the mind-set of the respective clubs – and was probed on Lionel Messi, his new club colleague, and international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Everyone knows they are great players and it’s an honour for me to play with them both, each with their own style. I want to enjoy my club and my teammates, like another star in Andres Iniesta. They are players who serve as examples,” he noted.
“Why Barca? It’s a personal matter, they each have their own personalities. Barca are better for my personality. It didn’t matter what other clubs had, it was Barca, period. It has to do with my philosophy and the philosophy of the club and the entity.
“The competition here isn’t a problem. It’s very important. What I want is to learn. I’m 22 and it’d be wrong if I thought I was Messi. The most important thing is to learn and enjoy. I’m here to adapt as soon as possible. All the midfielders are great players, there’s no need to say the names. It’ll take work and sacrifice.”
