Everton striker Beto says he has found "beauty and simplicity" that is helping him adapt quickly to his new surroundings - but insists his sights are set firmly on repaying the faith shown to him by Evertonians with goals and strong performances.
The 25-year-old, who secured a permanent move to Goodison Park from Italian side Udinese last month, got his Blues career off to a flyer, stepping off the bench and scoring 28 minutes into his debut to help Everton secure a comeback victory over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
That game, which saw the 6ft 4in attacker strike the post with a thunderous header and have a late goal ruled out for offside, was followed by a maiden start and another lively display in the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United last time out.
It has been love at first sight for Evertonians, who have already created a chant for Beto - but, speaking to the Official Matchday Programme for this weekend's clash with Arsenal, the Portugal-born striker reveals while he is appreciative, his full focus remains on giving back on the pitch to make supporters proud.
“The Everton fans are really amazing,” said Beto, with a smile. “They support us a lot, you can see that. They want to win, badly. I like this, I like this pressure that they provide because this is why we are here - to win, to do something good for Everton.
“It feels good, of course [to have love from the fans so soon], but, for me, I don’t want to be too comfortable and by that I mean I want to repay the love they are showing me with good performances, goals and assists.
“I want to improve. I want them to see that I’m fighting for Everton, this is so important for me - and I want them to celebrate my goals, lots of them. I’m a striker and I need to score.
“As for the Club itself, I’m just enjoying every day here, honestly. It’s simple for me. It’s hard for me to express but there is beauty and simplicity here for me, I don’t have any complications - it’s easy for me to adapt and play my football.”
Having forged a reputation as a powerful, hard-working forward with excellent hold-up play and a natural burst of pace, Beto arrived at Everton having reached double figures for goals in each of his past four seasons.
Last term he averaged 0.42 goals per 90 minutes in Serie A, while his aerial duel success of 51.2 per cent put him comfortably amongst the top 20 per cent of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues.
But, he says, there is plenty more to come.
“Everton is a historical club,” he added. “A big, big club in the Premier League, well-respected and they have a big history. It was easy to make this move.
“I feel like my style is a really good fit with Everton.
“It feels really good to be here. There have been so many big strikers who have played here and we also have important strikers in the team right now. It feels really good to be here and I want to make my mark.
“I know I can improve on a lot of things. I know I didn’t arrive at my prime yet so I hope Everton can help me to arrive there.”
Read the full exclusive interview with Beto in this weekend's matchday programme, as the Blues host Arsenal in Premier League action at Goodison Park.
Beto reveals why he believes growing up in the shadows of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, was key in his unique journey to the top of the game, plus nicknames he had as a youngster, where his love for the Blues began and much more.
Elsewhere in the matchday read, we catch up with Kevin Mirallas, who recently announced his retirement from professional football. The Belgian reflects on why his time at Goodison Park was the best of his playing days - and why he hopes his journey with the Club is not over.
Ashley Young takes on our new Playerlist feature, where we find out more about his taste in music, while James Tarkowski explains his ideal matchday in The Takeover.
For all of this and more, pick up a copy of the programme, priced £4, around the ground or, alternatively, click here to order a copy online.
