Mateus Fernandes has credited Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi as the decisive factor in his summer switch to North London, revealing that the Italian's personal approach — including daily phone calls and a promise to act as a father figure — won over both the player and his family.

Fernandes completed an £85 million move from West Ham United to Spurs earlier this summer, a fee that made him the club's record signing. That mark was subsequently surpassed when Sandro Tonali arrived for £100 million.

De Zerbi's family-first approach

Speaking to The Athletic, Fernandes described how De Zerbi went beyond football tactics to establish a genuine human connection. "The desire of playing for a big club, winning games, to fight for the Premier League, for the first place," the Portuguese midfielder said, outlining how the manager sold the vision.

"The way he spoke with me and my family was very important to me. He was calling me every day, so I'm very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things."

Fernandes explained that language was a meaningful consideration, with his parents not fully comfortable in English. De Zerbi's warmth, he said, bridged that gap. "It was more about connection, because my dad and my mum don't speak English very well. It was more about feelings. He said he would take care of me, that he would be my second dad in England."

A player ready to rise

The 23-year-old arrives at Spurs having endured back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham United, but he produced one of his finest individual seasons in 2025-26. Fernandes scored five goals and registered four assists across 39 appearances in all competitions for West Ham United, a campaign that underlined his quality despite the team's struggles.

Now under De Zerbi's guidance at Tottenham Hotspur, Fernandes will be hoping that a change of surroundings finally brings the success that has eluded him in recent years.