West Ham’s January loan signing Joao Mario has revealed that his Portugal compatriot Jose Fonte played a role in him deciding to join the Hammers this month.
Mario struggled to earn regular game time during the first half of the season with Inter Milan and will be hoping to play as regularly as possibly during the second half of the season with a view to earning a starting spot in the Portugal Squad that will play at the 2018 world cup.
“I am really happy to be here,” Joao Mario told the club website. “It’s a really amazing experience to join this amazing team and I am just glad to be here.
“It was a fast move. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League. I spoke with the coach and for me, I am really happy to be training for an amazing coach, also.
“Jose explained to me a little more about the club and also the song we have, I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham!”
Mario and Fonte were team-mates for the Portugal national team during Euro 2016 and the two went on to surprise the football world by helping their country win the tournament.
