Edimilson Fernandes says his ‘dream’ has been fulfilled after receiving his first senior Switzerland call-up.
West Ham United’s versatile 20-year-old has started his first season in east London in impressive style, featuring in a variety of positions and scoring his maiden goal in the EFL Cup win over Chelsea last month.
After making his international U21 debut against England in March this year, Fernandes scored in UEFA European Championship qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Norway before being named in Vladimir Petkovic’s squad for Sunday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier with the Faroe Islands.
“It's my first call-up, so I have to go there and keep up the form I've been showing for my Club,” the No31 told whufc.com.
“We have a World Cup qualifier with the Faroe Islands in Lucerne, which we hope to win and continue our good start to the group. We have won all three matches so far, and we want to make it four.
“Personally, I have to perform well in training and, if I am given the opportunity to play, in the match and I hope that will be the case.”
It's my first call-up, so I have to go there and keep up the form I've been showing for my Club
Edimilson Fernandes
Among his new national team squad-mates are his cousin Gelson, who has amassed more than 60 caps since making his own debut in 2007, and former West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami, who has 72 international appearances to his name.
“It is a dream for me to be called by my country, of course,” he confirmed. “I am going to be training alongside my cousin Gelson, which will be a good experience, and I hope everything goes well for us.
“I hope to continue in the same way and keep doing my best for West Ham and for Switzerland.”
Switzerland sit top of Group B after winning each of their opening three qualifiers. Petkovic’s side kicked-off with a 2-0 home victory over European champions Portugal before winning 3-2 in Hungary and 2-1 in Andorra.