Ruben, welcome to Everton. What does it mean to join the Club?
It’s an amazing club. For me,
it’s a dream come true to join a big and historic club like Everton from England. It’s a dream.
How did this move come about? I knew Everton were interested. When
my manager told me, I said in that moment that I wanted to go because Everton are a very big club.
What were the other reasons for you wanting to join Everton?
It’s the opportunity to work with the very good players and a very good coach.
These things together made me more excited to work here.
How big a draw was it to come to Everton and work with a manager like Frank Lampard?
It’s a very big opportunity. He is a football legend; everybody knows who he is. The opportunity
to work and learn from him is very good for me.
What is the message from Lampard? I’m here to help the team and to make
the good things happen. I’m here to do this.
The opportunity to learn from Ashley Cole? Yes, he’s an example. He’s one of – if not
the most – renowned left-back in the world. The opportunity to learn with him is very good for me.
Reunion with Kevin Thelwell Yes, Kevin was an important for
me to come here because he’s someone who knows me very well. He worked
with me at Wolves for a long time so it’s very important to come here and to work with him again.
What did he say about the Club’s ambition and goals?
Kevin explained to me that Everton are a very big club. A club that wants to make a difference
and write more stories in an already incredibly historic club. He said that you must compromise to
come here because it’s a very big club. You have to give everything to Everton for the supporters.
What are your strengths as a player? I’m a player who gives everything for the team.
I always want to win because I think this is the way. Everybody has to think like this.
That’s why I come to Everton, to win. I think that is my main characteristic.
What are your particular strengths as a player? I am good with the ball. I like to have the ball,
attack and put the team in front of the goal. But I also like to recover the ball.
I like to play football - I like to do everything in the game.
You primarily play on the left but have you also played on the right side of defence?
Yes, I have played some games there but
normally I play most of my games on the left - that is where I am most comfortable.
How important is your versatility down the left side?
I have come here to help, so the fact I can play left back and wing back helps. It is
one more position but I have come here to help.
You’ve got a competitive mindset and last season Sporting didn’t lose in the league
or domestic cup - do you feel you’re a winner? We didn’t lose a game in the league or the cup
(when I played) and that was good. It showed what that team could do. Hopefully we can make
that the goal here - to win and fight to win every game. This is important because it is a big club.
Why do you think your game is suited to the Premier League?
I started young here (in England) and I learned a lot here. I am very glad to be back in England
because I really improved myself and I am determined to work on that.
How much are you looking forward to competing for a place in this team?
It is very good for me and him (Vitalii Mykolenko) to have that competition. We
have to work hard to improve every day. It is only a good thing when you have
very good players with you and pushing you.
What are your memories of playing at Goodison Park?
I remember it is a very difficult stadium to play. It has a very good atmosphere
but now it is good to have that support on my side now.
What are your impressions of Finch Farm? It is amazing. The facilities are
very good and it will be a great place to work.
And now you can’t wait to get started? Of course, I am looking forward to this.