New Wolves recruit Andre has experienced a whirlwind first few weeks in England after swapping the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro for a new life in the West Midlands.
The former Fluminense midfielder has spent the entirety of his career in South America and now finds himself playing in Europe for the first time after arriving on deadline day in a reported £21m deal.
He was thrust almost instantly into the action for the final four minutes against Nottingham Forest, just 24 hours after making the move to Molineux and is now targeting a first full start against Newcastle United in the Premier League as he looks to make a name for England’s top division after months of speculation linking him with the likes of Liverpool and Fulham.
Andre has had little time to meet his new team-mates and just days after arriving in England was called up to return to South America to help Brazil in their World Cup qualification victory over Ecuador.
The 2023 Copa Libertadores winner is keen to hit the ground running in England and has used the international break as an opportunity to seek advice from two Brazil team-mates in Joao Gomes and Bruno Guimaraes.
“Bruno Guimaraes and Joao Gomes are two friends who help me a lot. Bruninho for having worked with Diniz before, and Joao now gives me all possible support with information about the new club.” Andre told Premier League Brasil.
“I didn’t have much time to get to know the city, I only went to one game, but I want to make the most of them [Premier League players] here with the National Team.
“Most of them play in Europe, so I need to gather as much information as possible, dedicate myself a lot to having a great season and playing here with the National Team too.”
Gomes, like Andre, started his career in Brazil and ironically also played in Rio de Janerio for his former team’s bitter rivals Flamengo. The £18.7m signing was instantly handed the task of adapting to a new culture at Wolves and became a fan favourite quickly by scoring the winner on his debut against Southampton.
The 23-year-old tough-tackling midfielder has been a key part of Wolves team throughout last season and was a near everpresent with 32 appearances.
Similarly, Guimaraes, who ironically goes head to head with Andre in his next league match, has adapted to the Premier League like a fish to water. He started his career in Sao Paulo with fourth division side Audax and after two years in the top-flight with Atletico Paranaense caught the eyes of French giants Lyon before transferring to St James’ Park in January 2022.
Guimaraes is now Newcastle’s club captain and considered as one of the most popular players with the fans of the North East Club.
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