Here are some of the best quotes on Everton's new signing Bernard - and words from the man himself...
Ronaldinho on Bernard soon after his emergence in the Atletico Miniero first team:
Ronaldinho on Bernard soon after his emergence in the Atletico Miniero first team:
"He is a big talent. It's a pleasure to share in the moment when another star is born. I am happy and I hope he continues in this manner for many, many years.
Bernard on learning from Ronaldinho:
"Whether in practice or in the game, I try to observe everything he does. Ronaldinho has been instrumental in my growth. I have no words to describe him.
"He’s always trying to help everyone, he’s always smiling and happy. When he arrived he told me to play football with joy, to do what the manager asks.
"He told me not to have only the responsibility of carrying the team but also to do what fans like, such as attack, do stepovers, dribbles. So he made me more confident, which helped me learn what he has been through and achieved. So I could grow since he arrived.
"Ronaldinho was my role model. Nowadays everyone wants to see Barcelona play as a team, but back then everyone stopped to watch Ronaldinho. Although this is not a good example, I skipped class to watch Barcelona. And now I'm seeing him close, learning from him."
Dorival Junior on Bernard's debut against Uberaba - at right-back:
"It was even higher than we expected. He is a boy who promises a lot and who, even out of [position], showed that when the athlete is determined he can produce and take control of that position on the pitch. He played very well and surprised us positively."
Bernard on overcoming early opinions in Atletico Mineiro's youth sides:
“I arrived at Atletico in 2006. There were problems and I was sent away twice because of my size. Most directors recognised the error of the technicians who sent me away and they asked me back.“
Bernard responds to transfer speculation prior to competing in the 2013 Copa Libertadores - a tournament he helped Mineiro win for the first time in their history:
“There is no chance I will leave before the Copa Libertadores. I have made that clear to Atletico. If they want to sell me, do so after the Libertadores. I want to make history at this club."
Bernard talks about his loan move from Mineiro to Democrat FC aged just 18:
"After I made the first match at the Alligator Arena, I did not want to leave. I took great care of the fans and they with me, too."
On the impact of Paulo Fonseca at Shakhtar:
"With Paulo Fonseca, I would say that I finished my soccer learning process. It helped me a lot and made my decision process easier, allowing me to think and act a few seconds faster, also working on the tactical component, something where I was not that strong."
Bernard on learning from Ronaldinho:
"Whether in practice or in the game, I try to observe everything he does. Ronaldinho has been instrumental in my growth. I have no words to describe him.
"He’s always trying to help everyone, he’s always smiling and happy. When he arrived he told me to play football with joy, to do what the manager asks.
"He told me not to have only the responsibility of carrying the team but also to do what fans like, such as attack, do stepovers, dribbles. So he made me more confident, which helped me learn what he has been through and achieved. So I could grow since he arrived.
"Ronaldinho was my role model. Nowadays everyone wants to see Barcelona play as a team, but back then everyone stopped to watch Ronaldinho. Although this is not a good example, I skipped class to watch Barcelona. And now I'm seeing him close, learning from him."
Dorival Junior on Bernard's debut against Uberaba - at right-back:
"It was even higher than we expected. He is a boy who promises a lot and who, even out of [position], showed that when the athlete is determined he can produce and take control of that position on the pitch. He played very well and surprised us positively."
Bernard on overcoming early opinions in Atletico Mineiro's youth sides:
“I arrived at Atletico in 2006. There were problems and I was sent away twice because of my size. Most directors recognised the error of the technicians who sent me away and they asked me back.“
Bernard responds to transfer speculation prior to competing in the 2013 Copa Libertadores - a tournament he helped Mineiro win for the first time in their history:
“There is no chance I will leave before the Copa Libertadores. I have made that clear to Atletico. If they want to sell me, do so after the Libertadores. I want to make history at this club."
Bernard talks about his loan move from Mineiro to Democrat FC aged just 18:
"After I made the first match at the Alligator Arena, I did not want to leave. I took great care of the fans and they with me, too."
On the impact of Paulo Fonseca at Shakhtar:
"With Paulo Fonseca, I would say that I finished my soccer learning process. It helped me a lot and made my decision process easier, allowing me to think and act a few seconds faster, also working on the tactical component, something where I was not that strong."
