Former Everton midfielder Andre Gomes who sent a classy message to supporters on his departure celebrates his 33rd birthday today
Andre Gomes embraces with Richarlison during the match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on September 1, 2019
Andre Gomes embraces with Richarlison during the match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on September 1, 2019
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(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Snapped up for £22million from Barcelona, Andre Gomes might not have hit the heights he'd have wished for at Everton but he always brought a touch of class – on and off the pitch.
The midfielder, who was capped 29 times for Portugal, celebrates his 33rd birthday today and is now plying his trade in Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew – a team where former Blues striker Brian McBride is all-time top scorer and Goodison Park old boy Robert Warzycha served as both a player and head coach – after a career in Europe with Benfica, Valencia, Barcelona, Everton and Lille.
Initially signed under compatriot Marco Silva, Gomes turned out 114 times for the Blues, scoring four times – with his final goal being the match-winner against Crystal Palace in an FA Cup third round replay during a run when Sean Dyche's side failed to taste victory in the Premier League from Christmas to beyond Easter – but he struggled to recapture his earlier form having battled back from a serious ankle injury in November 2019 following a horror challenge from Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur that caused him to collide with Serge Aurier.
However, the star from Grijo, a small town on the edge of the Porto metropolitan area that was the site of an 1809 battle success for Sir Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington) and his Anglo-Portuguese troops against the French in the Peninsular War, tugged at the heartstrings of Evertonians with his passionate farewell in June 2024.
Gomes – who took part in a 'hug-a-thon' with members of the public at Goodison Park as part of a mental health initiative to raise funds for Everton in the Community in January 2019 – said: “Dear Evertonians, I’m doing this video for you as a message of gratitude for all the time we spent together. The last few weeks were tough either for me and for my family.
“My time with the blue shirt came to an end. But I have to tell you how proud I am for all these years.
“This club is full of history, with big moments, but also with difficult situations that should make us learn from that. But both situations have one thing in common: your passion for this wonderful football club.
“The love, the relentless fighting spirit, the hard work. For me, there is another word that defines how special you are: Family.
“Going through ups and downs, emotions and amazing atmospheres, you never gave up on us. You never give up on the person next to you, and that is what community is all about.
“There are no words to describe the impact you have on helping others. I am very fortunate and thankful for all the experiences and moments we shared together.
“I met so many wonderful people and I’m touched for all of you that made me and my family feel special. This message was not supposed to be too long but just a thank you message wouldn’t be enough.
“My family grew under your umbrella and nowadays I have my kid everyday singing Everton songs. I guess you all did a wonderful job because I’m sure we’ll never forget our time with you. I’m not the best person showing emotions but (those) who really know me, understand how much this means to me.
“People say that good things somewhere along the line, will come to an end and maybe this is the case, but I leave with my heart full of memories and wonderful moments. And for that I want to thank you.
“One last word to all the staff, players and employees that I had the chance to work with. You know how much I love you and how much I will miss you.
“Thank you family. Always in my heart.”