Fernandes keeping it in the family after dream West Ham start

Edimilson Fernandes admits the advice of his cousin Gelson has been a huge help in him hitting the ground running at West Ham.

Fernandes joined from FC Sion this summer and has established himself as a key figure in Slaven Bilic’s first-team plans.

He scored against Chelsea in their EFL Cup win last week and admits that Gelson – who had spells with both Man City and Leicester City in the Premier League – has been a big influence on his dream start.

The 20-year-old said: “I was 17 when I made my debut in the Swiss Super League. Playing first-team football at that age was a shock to me, but it all started from there and my career has continued to grow.

“I always had the ambition of coming to play in the Premier League, but I never imagined it would be possible.

“I watched the Premier League on television in Switzerland a lot. I watched Manchester United and enjoyed watching them and their players. My cousin Gelson played for Manchester City and I also liked them, but I preferred Manchester United!

“I spoke to my cousin Gelson before I joined West Ham. In fact, I speak to Gelson every day about living in England and the Premier League, and we both agree it’s one of the best leagues in the world.

“All of the advice he has given me has been really useful, and everything he has told me about English football has come true.”

(Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

West Ham’s new home at London Stadium has been another big influence on Fernandes.

And the Swiss U21 international is hoping to build on his strong start and become a firm fans’ favourite.

“When I came over for the first time, they took me to see the Stadium and I really like it. The Stadium is magnificent, I really enjoy playing there, as do all the players,” he added.

“When you play in front of 57,000 fans it gives you goosebumps, it’s an amazing feeling and it helps you to play to your best.

“When West Ham wanted to sign me, the manager told me that he was going to count on me, but that I needed to work hard in training to get into the team.

“At the start I was afraid to leave my old club, so I spoke to the president and the club and took the plane over to West Ham. In the beginning it was very scary, but now it’s great.”