Manuel Fernandes has been presented as a Valencia player after snubbing Everton to complete his move from Benfica.

The 21-year-old Portugal midfielder has penned a six-year contract with Valencia and is set to be the Primera Liga club's final capture of the summer.

Fernandes, who came through the youth ranks at Benfica before having loan spells with Portsmouth and Everton, said: "I thank Valencia for their confidence and hope to be in my new team for many years.

"I have spoken before with Miguel (Valencia's Portuguese full-back), and he has told me that it is a great club, with the possibility to grow."

Fernandes, who Spanish media are reporting will cost his new club €18million, knows he faces a challenge to earn a starting spot at star-studded Valencia, but that is what he has set his sights on.

"It is never easy. I respect my team-mates, but I have come here to play and to be a starter," he added.

"I am a player for the centre of the field, a team player. I am combative and I hope to help the team, I play for my team-mates."

Everton had thought they had sorted out a deal to take Fernandes to Goodison Park on a permanent basis but after watching their home 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Saturday he opted to move to Spain.