Pedro Porro convinced Mateus Fernandes to join Tottenham

Pedro Porro played a key role in persuading Mateus Fernandes to join Tottenham, with the Portuguese midfielder revealing his former Sporting teammate personally encouraged him to complete his move to north London.

Speaking to The Athletic, Mateus explained that Porro contacted him during the transfer process and urged him to join Spurs, where the pair have now been reunited after previously playing together at Sporting.

The Portugal international completed a €99 million move to Tottenham this summer, with both Porro and head coach Roberto De Zerbi playing influential roles in his decision.

Mateus revealed that Porro called him directly and even claimed to have recommended him to De Zerbi.

"He called me one day and said in Portuguese: 'Come on, Mateus, you have to play with us, we want you.'

The midfielder added that Porro also joked about his influence behind the scenes.

"I was the one who told the coach to bring you."

The pair remained close after their time together at Sporting, and Mateus said the Spain international helped him understand what to expect from life at Tottenham.

"I spoke to him a little about the club, the team's mentality and my teammates."

Mateus also praised Porro's quality, describing him as one of the world's best right-backs.

While Porro's support proved important, Mateus admitted Roberto De Zerbi was equally decisive in securing the transfer.

According to the midfielder, the Tottenham manager spoke with him almost every day during negotiations and also met with his family before the move was finalised.

"The way he spoke to me and my family was very important. He called me every day."

Mateus also revealed the promise that convinced him to choose Spurs.

"He told me he would look after me, that he would be like a second father to me in England."

Those conversations ultimately helped pave the way for the €99 million transfer, reuniting Mateus and Porro in north London ahead of the new season.

Mateus Fernandes is expected to continue integrating into Roberto De Zerbi's squad as Tottenham prepare for the new Premier League season. The Portuguese midfielder will hope to establish himself quickly alongside former Sporting teammate Pedro Porro following his high-profile arrival.