In an interview without taboos, Bruno Fernandes pointed to winning the 2026 World Cup and commented on Cristiano Ronaldo’s continuity in the national team, speaking to Canal 11.
«We don’t have to get caught up just because Cristiano Ronaldo is on the field. He drags markers and creates spaces. Gonçalo Ramos is strong in pressing and diagonal movements. All players add and have their own characteristics. We must know each person’s profile, so that the team can win.”
«Bernardo and I have a huge impact, due to our quality, tactical intelligence and experience. Bernardo is very intelligent, he knows what others have to do. At the 2022 World Cup we were talking about our dynamics. I want to play in the 2026 World Cup, but if I have to stay on the bench for us to be champions, I’ll sign twice for less.”
«We dream of winning the World Cup and this responsibility is positive. We must close the group and understand where to improve, and understand that the World Cup will not be perfect. I know that we are prepared to achieve an important campaign that dignifies the country.”
«What we create off the field is more important, because they are bonds that allow us to think about our teammates. But no one will notice, because they are details. Outside the field we play cards, darts, billiards and “O Lobo”, there are 17 or 18 of us. A beautiful dynamic is created. Between 10:30am and 1pm we have time to play cards. Nobody goes to the rooms.”
Asked about the link with João Neves, the Manchester United midfielder recalled the free kick scored by the PSG midfielder against Armenia, at Estádio do Dragão, in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
«I really like João Neves because he knew how to join the national team. I see myself in it, I went through the same thing – I had Bruno Alves, Beto, Coentrão, Pepe, Rui Patrício, who I looked to as references. The first time Cristiano spoke to me, I found it strange. In other words, I try to welcome João Neves. Beto was that figure for me, he was very respected within the national team. Also Bruno Alves and José Fonte.”
«Goal against Armenia? We trained free kicks, I was the taker because Cristiano wasn’t there. I had promised João Neves that I would let him hit. At that moment I thought about the person he is and he deserves trust. And he knows how to hit. He only asked me once and he scored a great goal. There’s nothing he can’t do. I have a special affection for João Neves.”
)
