BRUNO FERNANDES says his Manchester United love affair began because of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal midfielder was finally unveiled by the Red Devils tonight after completing his £55million move from Sporting Lisbon.
Bruno Fernandes (right) hopes to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s (left) success at Man Utd
Fernandes says his love affair with Manchester United started with Portugal team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: RAFAEL MARCHANTE
The 25-year-old midfielder has penned a five-and-a-half contract, with a 12-month extension option, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
And he cannot wait to pull on the famous United shirt after falling in love with the Old Trafford giants over a decade ago watching his countryman – who also joined from Sporting – turn on the magic at Theatre of Dreams.
Fernandes said: “My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club.
“For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible, I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.
“I want to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me.
“It is surreal to hear the nice words that have been said about me from players that used to play for this team.
“A massive thank you to Ole and everyone at Manchester United for the trust they have shown in me and I can’t wait to start to repay that on the pitch.”
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Solskjaer was delighted to finally get his man following a lengthy pursuit.
The Norwegian believes Fernandes – who registered 63 goals and 52 assists in 137 appearances for Sporting – will help push them to success over the coming months and years.
He said: “We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team.
“Most importantly he is a terrific human being with a great personality and his leadership qualities are clear for all to see.
“Bruno’s goals and assists stats speak for themselves, he will be a fantastic addition to our team and he will help us push on in the second part of the season.
“The winter break is coming at a perfect time for us to integrate Bruno into the squad and for him to get to know his team-mates.”
Fernandes will become only the sixth Portuguese player to represent United in the Premier League – but not everyone has been successful as his hero Ronaldo.
Winger Nani was the next to join the ranks at Old Trafford and he enjoyed a pretty successful eight-year stint.
The ace won the title four times, the Champions League and Club World Cup along with Ronaldo in 2008 and the League Cup twice.
Bebe was perhaps the most bemusing arrival, playing a grand total of twice in the top flight after joining from Vitoria in 2010.
Abandoned by his parents at a young age, the attacker grew up in a homeless shelter near Lisbon and cost United £7m – despite Sir Alex Ferguson later admitting he had never seen him play.
Fernandes will have two fellow Portuguese players to help him acclimatise to Manchester.
Full-back Diogo Dalot, signed from Porto in 20018, and goalkeeper Joel Pereira, currently on-loan in Scotland at Hearts, will both be on hand to issue any advice.
United will cough up £46.6m up front plus £4.2m based on appearances and a further £4.2m if they qualify for the Champions League.
There is also a further £12.7m on offer should Fernandes to win the Ballon D’Or and help take United to Champions League glory.
New Man Utd signing Bruno Fernandes breaks down in tears as he says goodbye to Sporting Lisbon
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
