Amadou Onana has lifted the lid on what Frank Lampard told him shortly before his Goodison Park debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The midfielder was introduced for his second Everton match in the second half at the weekend, having also been brought on from the bench the previous week away to Aston Villa. He was met with a raucous reception from the crowd upon his introduction before getting over half an hour to show his talents.
And the 21-year-old has revealed the message that he was given before entering the fray by his manager. The new Blues man also highlighted the importance of his teammates in helping him settle on Merseyside as quickly as he has.
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He told evertonfc.com : “The manager tells me to go out there, bring the energy I can bring to the team, and just be myself – be Amadou. I want to play forward, boost my teammates and do whatever it takes to get the three points.
"My teammates welcomed me in the best possible way. I haven’t have to do much to adapt myself [in the squad].
"It was very good to get some more minutes [against Forest] and get more used to playing in England. It’s a different football, different rhythm, so I have to get used to it. It will come day by day.
"The game is more physical. It is faster, so I have to adapt as quickly as possible.
"I must say, my teammates welcomed me in the best possible way. I haven’t have to do much to adjust myself in the squad."
Onana was met with huge cheers and applause as he was introduced onto the pitch at his new home for the first time, and even received a similar reception when he was first sent to warm up by Lampard in the opening half.
The midfielder thanked the fans for the way they welcomed him to the club, but maintained a disappointment that he couldn't help his side to victory on his Goodison bow.
"The reception was crazy! Hearing them shouting my name... It was very nice," he added.
"I’m very happy about the warm welcome, the crowd was unbelievable. I’d like to say thank you for all the support.
"Perhaps we should have won the game. It was disappointing to concede but we did our very best towards the end. The atmosphere in the ground after we scored was unbelievable, too. I think we could have – in the end – got the win."
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