In an interview with Camel Live, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes dropped more bombshells.
First, his "contact" with Benfica began as early as the 2014-15 season—the final season of Jorge Jesus' first spell as Benfica coach.
"They told me JJ wanted to bring me to Benfica a year earlier, but he ended up signing someone else. Later, JJ said he was the one who wanted to take me to Sporting CP, Bruno de Carvalho said it was him, and André Geraldes also said it was him (laughs)—it was like a war between the three of them.
Out of respect for Benfica, I didn't want to leave just for financial reasons. Benfica is a great club. I admire everything they do, but I also know something similar happened many years ago.
Sporting CP poached a player from Benfica, so this is some kind of revenge...
I told my agent frankly: if Benfica wanted me, they should have bought me last year."
Fernandes also recalled a conversation with Rui Costa after Portugal's 2024 European Championship qualifier win in 2023, where they talked about Benfica's past interest in him.
"I scored a brace against Bosnia at the Estádio da Luz and happened to meet President Rui Costa. He came over to greet me and said: 'You always score at this stadium.'
I replied: 'You didn't want me back then.'
He said: 'Ah, but we did want you.'
I said: 'Yes, but it was too late by then.'"
Talking About the Future
Looking ahead, the Portuguese international envisions a future in England.
"As long as I feel needed, I want to stay at Manchester United. I want to experience La Liga and compete for major trophies in Serie A. I have a deep connection with Italy; my daughter was born there.
I've considered returning to Portugal. Going back to a place where I was happy might damage the image I've built. Out of affection and respect, my first choice would definitely be Sporting CP.
If it makes me happy, it has to be at Sporting CP. But I don't want to ruin my current image. Even for family reasons, I want to go back to Portugal. But I don't want to force myself; I want to enrich my life.
Maybe I can even try playing in the regional leagues in the future. Playing in the regional leagues is for love, and it feels very different. I also have friends there."
On Portugal's 2026 World Cup Hopes and Ronaldo's National Team Future
Subsequently, he openly talked about Portugal's 2026 World Cup title prospects and Ronaldo's continued presence in the national team.
"We shouldn't focus too much on Ronaldo just because he's there. He can attract defenders and create space. Gonçalo Ramos is good at pressing and diagonal runs. All players can contribute, each with their own characteristics. We must understand each player's strengths to help the national team win.
Bernardo Silva and I have a great understanding because we both have excellent ability, tactical awareness and rich experience. Bernardo is very smart; he knows what other teammates should do. We discussed this rapport during the 2022 World Cup.
I'm eager to play in the 2026 World Cup, but I'm also willing to sit on the bench if it helps the team win the title.
We dream of winning the World Cup, and this sense of responsibility is positive. We must unite as one, identify areas for improvement, and understand that the World Cup can't be perfect. I know we're ready to give our all to win honors for the country.
The atmosphere off the pitch is more important because it builds deep friendships and makes us care more about our teammates. But these are just details that no one notices. Off the pitch, we play cards, darts, billiards, and 'Werewolf' (a game similar to the Brazilian game 'O Lobo')—there are seventeen or eighteen of us.
It creates a wonderful atmosphere. Between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., we have time to play cards. No one goes back to their room."
On His Connection with João Neves
When asked about his connection with João Neves, the Manchester United midfielder recalled the brilliant free-kick Neves scored against Armenia at the Estádio do Dragão during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
"I have a lot of admiration for João Neves because he knows how to get into the national team. I see a bit of myself in him—I went through the same thing—I once looked up to Bruno Alves, Beto, Fábio Coentrão, Pepe, and Rui Patrício.
I was even surprised when Cristiano first talked to me about it. In other words, I really welcome João Neves' inclusion. Beto was that kind of role model for me; he was highly respected in the national team. The same goes for Bruno Alves and José Fonte.
The goal against Armenia? We were practicing free-kicks, and since Ronaldo wasn't there, I was supposed to take them. I promised João Neves I'd let him take one.
At that moment, I thought about his character—he's trustworthy. And he can definitely take free-kicks. He only asked me once, and he scored a wonderful goal. There's nothing he can't do. I have a special affection for João Neves."
