Mateus Fernandes selects Tottenham, credits De Zerbi

Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes has revealed that the personal approach of Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi was the decisive factor in his choice to join the North London club over Manchester United this summer. The 22-year-old completed a move from West Ham United to Tottenham last month for a reported fee of 85 million pounds, a club-record sum that was subsequently broken by Spurs' 100 million pound acquisition of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

In an interview, Fernandes explained that De Zerbi's persistent and familial communication convinced him to choose Tottenham's project. He stated that the manager's daily calls and assurances of personal support were crucial, especially given his parents' limited English. Fernandes recounted De Zerbi's promise to act as his "second dad in England," emphasizing the emotional connection over purely sporting terms. The player also cited his ambition to compete for major honors as a key motivation for joining a club with top-four aspirations.

Fernandes further acknowledged the influence of Tottenham defender and former Sporting CP teammate Pedro Porro, who actively lobbied for the transfer. The Portuguese...