New Tottenham signing Heurelho Gomes is grateful to Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari for the way he kicked off his career while the pair were together at Cruzeiro.

Gomes had a professional relationship with Scolari when he played under the Brazilian in 2001, and credits Chelsea's new boss with giving him the belief to move to the big leagues in Europe.

"I remember what he said about if I keep that up, I could play for just about any team in the world," Gomes said. "That coming from such a respected coach helped me a lot. It was a great motivating factor.

"It was about a year later I signed for PSV."

Gomes plans to get back in the Brazil squad and could ask 'Big Phil' for more advice if they have a chance of meeting up while both in London.

"It's very nice to know there are so many Brazilians in London," Gomes added. "I have met a lot already and found a very good Brazilian-style barbecue restaurant."