André Gomes: "We've exceeded expectations"

André Gomes (Porto, Portugal, 1993) chose number 21 when he arrived at Valencia CF. It is a special number in the city, as before him Pablo Aimar, David Silva and Dani Parejo have all graced the shirt. In just a few months, he has become an idol for Blanquinegra fans. The team’s results speak for themselves; with him on the pitch, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men always get a positive result.

LFP.es: What did you know about Valencia CF before signing for the club?
André Gomés: I knew a few things about Valencia, as I had played with another player who played here, Pablo César Aimar, who told me some things about the club. Before I came here he told me about the city. I used to watch the Liga BBVA sometimes in Portugal, at home, when I was away...

"We are a strong, gritty and ambitious team" 

LFP.es: What has surprised you most about the city and the team?
André Gomés: The city is fantastic, very beautiful and the people are special. The climate is also fantastic. The club has exceeded my expectations: the organisation is great and everything is in place in order to keep progressing.

LFP.es: Of all the matches you've played in, which has been the best, both individually and as a team?
André Gomes: We've had two or three good matches. For example, the day of the home victory against Atlético Madrid, we had a good match, above all because of the goals we scored. Mainly at home, we know exactly what to do and we are happy with what we’ve done.

LFP.es: How would you describe the team?
André Gomes: We are a very young group, who are learning and getting used to everything. We are a strong, gritty and ambitious team, and that normally makes the difference.

LFP.es How would you describe yourself as a player?
André Gomes: It would be easier for you to ask this question to someone else. It is difficult to describe myself because I'm only 21 and I'm going through a period of learning, during which I always want to give more.

LFP.es: Were you surprised at Valencia’s positive start?
André Gomes: Everyone had their expectations and we've clearly exceeded them. I knew a little about Nuno, I knew how he works and that he is someone who tries to improve every day, just as we do, and that is great.

"It is an honour to wear the number 21 shirt of great players such as Aimar and Silva"

LFP.es: What is your personal goal?
André Gomes: To do my utmost so that the club achieves its goals.

LFP.es: You spoke about when you coincided with Aimar in the dressing room at SL Benfica. You have the same shirt number, 21, as he did when he was at Valencia and that David Silva, among others, played in. Does that make you proud and is it an extra responsibility?
André Gomes: It is an honour to play in the 21 shirt that great players such as them have worn; I hope I can do everything well so that expectations remain high and people think that they have a player that gives his all for his club.

LFP.es: You were a member of the LFP's team of the month in September, along with three of your teammates. What did that mean to you?
André Gomes: I think it makes all Valencia fans proud of the hard work we put in every day.

LFP.es: Speaking of the fans, the number of season-ticket holders has gone up, more shirts have been sold than last season… How was that news received in the dressing room?
André Gomes: It is a good feeling, it makes you feel that people are behind you and when you play you take strength from everyone.