Andre Gomes was unveiled as a Barcelona player yesterday and he has spoken about why he chose the Catalans ahead of Los Blancos. The 22-year-old just won the Euros with Portugal, and he will be hoping for many more trophies with Barcelona. He revealed the major reason for picking Barcelona:
"It's an honour to wear this shirt," he told reporters at his unveiling. "I've fulfilled a dream for me and my family, I had to choose and I chose the best team.
"Each team has their own style, and Barcelona fits mine best. It has to do with my identity, philosophy and what I consider important to football."
Also Read: How would Andre Gomes fit in this Barcelona team?
Andre Gomes will have tough competition to get a spot in the starting XI with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic already established in Barcelona's starting XI. However, Gomes was excited by the daunting prospect:
"I have time to grow here, it is a great feeling and I will do what I can to improve," he added. "It is true there are many great players in the midfield here.
"I want to learn, these players are my reference as I'm just 22-years-old."
Andre Gomes will be one of the few players to have the opportunity to play with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and the Portuguese midfielder was eager to play with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
"I play with Ronaldo for Portugal, now I get to perform with Messi, I'm also happy to appear with Neymar and Suarez," he said.
"Playing with these players, and Iniesta too, was part of my decision."
But above all, Gomes has one clear objective in mind this season.
"The most important thing is to win titles," he concluded.
Gomes rose through the ranks in Portugal first with Porto and then with Benfica. When on loan with Valencia, he impressed the hierarchy so much they decided to sign him on a permanent basis. Gomes has since made 75 appearances for the club scoring 8 goals in the process.
The Portuguese midfielder is the fourth signing for the Catalan giants after completing the deals for Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne, and Denis Suarez. Barcelona are now on the lookout for a forward and they have been linked with plenty of names such as Carlos Bacca, Luciano Vietto and even Benfica striker Jonas.
