Fernandes marks Spurs debut with 'favourite ever goal'
Mateus Fernandes scored what he described as the best goal of his career just three minutes into his Tottenham debut, as Spurs beat MK Dons 1-0 in a friendly.
Roberto De Zerbi's side kicked off its pre-season campaign with a behind-closed-doors meeting with the League One side at Hotspur Way.
Fernandes – an £85m signing from relegated West Ham – only needed a few minutes to make an impact as he met a half-cleared corner with a brilliant volley from the edge of the area, which flew into the top-right corner.
Fernandes partnered Sandro Tonali, who quickly succeeded him as Spurs' record signing when he joined from Newcastle United in a deal that could rise to £100m, in midfield throughout the first half.
Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel and Dominic Solanke were also part of Spurs' first-half team, though De Zerbi made 11 changes at the break and they were unable to add any further goals.
Speaking to the club's website afterwards, Fernandes said: "After I scored, I got a similar ball again and thought, 'I can't do it again, because if I miss, they'll think I was lucky!'
"It was great. It was my favourite goal of my career. By a mile!
"I need to do this more and more, to shoot from outside the box. I know that I can do it. This just gives me confidence for the rest of the games."
Despite West Ham's relegation to the Championship, Fernandes impressed last season, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
Spurs will now embark on a tour of New Zealand and Australia, facing Auckland FC, Sydney FC and Chelsea before returning to London to face Getafe and Hoffenheim.
Their first Premier League game of the season is away to Brentford on 22 August, with Newcastle United visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the following week.
