Fernandes likens Martin to Amorim as he explains Southampton decision

Fernandes, 20, insists the tactical familiarities between the two young coaches has helped his seamless transition into playing Premier League football.

Sporting manager Amorim, who at 39 is just one year older than Martin, is following Fernandes to England after taking the job at Manchester United.

Amorim reluctantly agreed to sell Fernandes for £15million in August and he has already become a regular for Saints as they battle for survival.

Other Premier League clubs were surprised that Saints landed the Portuguese youth international but he insists the decision to join was easy. 

"I think the first reason that I joined Saints was because of Russell, I like the way of his football," said Fernandes, speaking to the Daily Echo for the first time.

Mateus Fernandes insists Russell Martin was the biggest factor in his decision to join Saints (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It was easy. I spoke to the coach and he was very clear with me. He showed me that he really wanted me and I'm really enjoying the way we work and play.

"I really like the city, I enjoy the football and the atmosphere of the stadium and the city well. I really enjoy all the things.

"I also spoke with Jose Fonte and he told me many good things about the city, the club, the staff and the people-  and I was very excited about that."

Fernandes speaks to the Echo less than 16 hours after Sporting defeated Premier League title-holders Man City 4-1 in the Champions League on TV. 

Fernandes watched on from his sofa as his old teammates hoisted Amorim in the air to celebrate his final home match as Sporting boss. 

"I've said before to Juan Larios, I think Ruben can be better than Mourinho in my opinion. He's a very good coach. He knows the way of football," he insists.

Ruben Amorim recorded a famous victory in his final home match as Sporting boss (Image: PA)

"He was a footballer so he knows how players feel. Yes, in England it is different. In the Portuguese league, it's easier for Sporting. I think he can be good.

"The way of Ruben and Russell is similar, they like to play football with the ball so it was easy for me to come to Southampton and play."

Fernandes wears number 18 for Saints and there is a bit of Sporting influence in that decision too, following in the footsteps of one of his idols. 

Bruno Fernandes signed for Man United from Sporting for more than £55million in January 2020 but Spaniard Juan Mata was occupying his preferred eight.

"When he came to England he chose the number 18, so I chose it too," said Fernandes. "I want to play more and more in the Premier League.

"I really enjoy the football here, the football of the Premier League - and I can play it better. It is true that it's more physical than in Portugal.

Mateus Fernandes has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It is more fast but I knew already when I came here that it was like that - so I need to work in the gym too to play well!"

Fernandes currently lives alone but insists the challenge of moving abroad at such a young age was one he not only relished but required.

"Of course, it was difficult. Sometimes my family and my girlfriend come to England but I need to grow up alone as a man, not only as a footballer," he said.

"Juan has helped me settle in as I can talk with him. I would also say guys like Lesley (Ugochukwu), (Yukinari) Sugawara and Cam (Archer)."

But when it comes to his long-term aims and ambitions, Fernandes is relaxed. His potential is clear but there is no need to pile pressure on every talent. 

"I can only continue to work every day like I have worked before. I'm just focusing on reaching my limit, that's it," he declared.