Fernandes: “Premiership the only place for me!”

Midfielder determined to make his mark at Everton

Manuel Fernandes has expressed his determination to do well at new club Everton, and says that he wants to spend the rest of his career in the Premiership.

The midfielder joined the Toffees on loan from Benfica on transfer deadline day, signing a six-month loan deal after spending the first half of the season at Portsmouth.

His time at Pompey turned sour after it was revealed that the club would not play him in three consecutive matches, in order to avoid activating a clause in the deal that would force them into purchasing the player.

However, Fernandes is keen to get back on track at Goodison Park: “It was good to introduce me to the Premiership and I am looking forward to playing more,” he said.

“I’ll give everything for the team. I don’t guarantee goals but I guarantee that I will work hard.”

It is expected that Fernandes will be asked to play alongside Spaniard Mikel Arteta in the Everton midfield, and the 20-year-old was asked about the long-standing comparisons between himself and Chelsea’s Claude Makelele.

“Makelele is the best in his position, I need to work much, much harder to be near his level. Makelele stays more in front of the defence and I try to get forward more. But if I could model my game on someone, it would probably be Makelele.”

Although Fernandes saw limited action at Portsmouth in the first half of the season, it appears that the Portuguese international has been impressed with what he has seen so far, and is keen to stay in England for a long time.

“I think the English style suits my game, a lot of players like to go after the ball and win it so that suits me. I want to stay in England, it is my first ambition, and do well here for the rest of my career.”