West Ham Star Fernandes Draws Inspiration from Late Childhood Coach To Ze
Before stepping onto the pitch for West Ham United's crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds United on Sunday, midfielder Matheus Fernandes will engage in a heartfelt pre-match ritual. He will seek guidance from Antonio Paulo, affectionately known as To Ze, his first football coach at Olhanense in Portugal's Algarve region, who passed away from cancer when Fernandes was just 11 years old.
Fernandes carries a permanent tribute to To Ze on his left arm, a tattoo he got at age 18 with his father's permission. The intricate design features To Ze in a tracksuit and trainers, wrapping a captain's armband around Fernandes's arm, with the young footballer depicted as a No10. Below this, a detailed close-up of an eye reflects a football pitch in its pupil, symbolizing vision and legacy.
A Lucky Star and Lifelong Mentor
'He is my lucky star,' Fernandes explains. 'He was my teacher of football. Every game, I place a shirt of his in my spot in the dressing room and speak with him for advice, support, and positive vibes to help me and my teammates win. I try to be his kid, like I was then.'
Fernandes recalls visiting To Ze in the hospital shortly before his death, noting, 'After that, I speak with him every night. In those times, it wasn't just about football. He cared about your family, even paying for our travel. Football isn't the most important thing; relationships and friendship are, and he showed this every week.'
Rising to the Occasion for West Ham
This emotional connection fuels Fernandes as he aims to help West Ham secure a place at Wembley for their first FA Cup semi-final in two decades and maintain their Premier League status in a tense relegation battle. Following the January departure of Lucas Paqueta, Fernandes has embraced the role of midfield maestro, with his £38 million summer signing from Southampton beginning to flourish under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
'I think we changed mentality after the QPR game in the FA Cup third round,' Fernandes says. 'We felt positive vibes in the dressing room, and that sparked a winning run. Our squad has quality, with almost every player featuring for their national team, but that's not enough alone in the Premier League.'
International Dreams and Personal Growth
Fernandes's recent form earned him a first senior call-up for Portugal's friendlies against Mexico and the USA, a milestone he discovered via a call from his girlfriend. 'It was a beautiful day and a dream come true for my family,' he shares. Starting as a goalkeeper before joining Sporting Lisbon's academy at 13, he idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo and namesake Bruno Fernandes, whom he replaced in Portugal's victory over the USA.
Reflecting on his idols, Fernandes notes, 'They're normal guys, like me. Cristiano was the biggest for us as kids, but I looked to Bruno to learn from his position. I just enjoyed it and tried to pick up small details.'
World Cup Aspirations and Team Focus
With the World Cup on the horizon, Fernandes rates his chances as '50-50,' citing fierce competition in Portugal's midfield. 'I need to show I can do better than others. If I perform well with West Ham, I think I can make it,' he asserts. This drive helped him endure a challenging season at Southampton, where he trained relentlessly despite setbacks.
Now settled in London with his girlfriend, Fernandes enjoys padel and golf, though he jokes about his golf skills: 'I never hit the ball!' To impress Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, he knows securing FA Cup success and Premier League safety is key.
Navigating Pressure and Looking Ahead
Fernandes avoids watching rivals' games to manage pressure, even refusing to view Nottingham Forest's match with his father. 'I can't. It's too much pressure. We focus on what we can control,' he explains. With a mindset of 'us against the world,' he remains optimistic about West Ham's prospects.
If West Ham wins the FA Cup, might he add a trophy tattoo next to To Ze's? 'Ah, we'll see!' Fernandes laughs, keeping his options open as he honors his mentor's legacy on and off the field.
