Nene is hoping to build on an impressive debut when West Ham United take on Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Brazilian schemer hit the post with his first contribution after coming off the bench against Crystal Palace and has his eyes on a first goal in English football as he prepares for another London derby.
We caught up with the new Hammers No12 ahead of the Boleyn Ground showdown.
Nene, you made your first appearance for the Club on Saturday – how good did it feel to get on the pitch for West Ham?
Nene: “It felt good, the ambience was how I expected it to be. However, we didn’t win the game, so that was sad, but football is like that and hopefully we can do better in our next game against Chelsea, to recover the three points we lost.”
It was unfortunate that the result did not go your way, but for you personally, you went close to scoring with almost your first contribution. Did you think it was in?
Nene: “Yes. It was the first ball that I touched in the game. I shot and it was close to being a goal. I thought it was going to be inside the post, but unfortunately it wasn’t. I feel good, I need more games, more time on the pitch, but I do feel good and I think I can do better with every game for the team.”
How has training been? Are you getting used to your new teammates?
Nene: “Training has been good. Every day I feel better and the intensity is coming back with each session. I’m happy with that as with more training I can make everything with the team. I think it’s good.”
Looking at the next game it’s Chelsea. A tough game against the league leaders, but presumably one everybody really looks forward to?
Nene: “Sure. It’s a difficult game, but we are playing at home and we need to try to fight to take the three points. It’s a game that all players want to play in and I’m no different. I expect that the team will do well and give a very good game for the supporters, hopefully with the victory.”
I’m sure as you know we beat Manchester City and Liverpool here earlier in the season so we have shown that we can beat the big teams here.
Nene: “Sure. You don’t need any extra motivation for this kind of game because it’s already there. When we have big games we do very well and I hope that against Chelsea it will be the same story.”
Looking at Chelsea, they have a few players from your country in Filipe Luis, Oscar and Willian. Have you come up against them anywhere before?
Nene: “I’ve only played against Filipe Luis in the past, once before. I’m a bit older than them!”
But it will be nice for you to have a Brazilian reunion on the pitch?
Nene: “Yes! There are more on their team than ours, but I hope the Brazilian side of West Ham will be happy after the game!”
After this game there is a little break before the next one, against Arsenal. How useful will that be for you as you continue to integrate here?
Nene: “I will try to increase my fitness to make sure I’m 100 per cent when the team restarts the league against Arsenal.
“I’m going to stay to work hard to do that, and I will do my best to be at 100 per cent after that.”