Carlos Mendes Gomes is ready to make his mark in a Wanderers’ shirt after notching a hat-trick of Lancashire clubs.
Mendes Gomes has joined the Whites from Luton Town on a three-year deal to become Wanderers’ seventh signing of the summer.
The 24-year-old forward spent last season on loan at Fleetwood Town after first bursting onto the scene with Morecambe.
And after leaving the Premier League for another crack at League One, Gomes Mendes sees Wanderers as the ideal place to keep progressing back up north.
“My family is based in Manchester, and my friends, and it’s always nice to come back home,” he said.
“Everyone knows the size of Bolton Wanderers. It’s a huge club that was in the Premier League in the past. I remember knowing about Bolton when I was kid, so it’s a big step up for me and hopefully things go well.
“I went on loan last year and did pretty well and at the age I am right now I want to be playing regular football.
“Out of all the options I had, I thought Bolton would be the best decision and I’m delighted to be here.”
Mendes Gomes has been on the wish-list of Whites’ boss Ian Evatt ever since his days at Morecambe when the two clubs went head-to-head in the League Two promotion race.
Mendes Gomes top-scored for the Shrimps with 16 goals as they ultimately followed Wanderers up via the play-offs.
The versatile frontman, who can play as a central forward, attacking midfielder or in a wider position, then scored a cracker against Wanderers last season as he also top-scored during his season-long loan with Fleetwood.
Now he’s hoping to help get the goals flowing in a Wanderers’ shirt and experience the support of the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the quest to bring success to the Whites.
“I’ve felt it as a rival,” added Gomes Mendes after ending a two-year stay with the Hatters. “The fans are top class here and always behind the team. I can’t wait to actually be out there and meet up with all of them.
“I remember that game (for Fleetwood). The manager reminded me about it and today in the meeting he brought it up again but hopefully I can score many goals for Bolton.
“Credit to the team-mates I had before. Without them I wouldn’t be able to achieve it – and the managers I worked with. I hope things go well at Bolton and long may it continue.
“It’s always nice to be on the pitch and help the team in any way, whether that’s scoring goals or creating chances for other people to actually score.
“I know Bolton were very unlucky to miss out on the play-off final and losing in the semi-final, but it just shows what direction this club is heading in.
“It’s a massive club with massive objectives and hopefully we can meet that this season.”