The midfielder aimed for winning the 2026 World Cup and commented on his relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and João Neves.
In a candid interview, Bruno Fernandes aimed for victory in the 2026 World Cup and commented on Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued presence in the national team, in statements to Canal 11.
“We don’t have to be fixated just because Cristiano Ronaldo is on the field. He draws defenders and creates space. Gonçalo Ramos is strong in pressing and diagonal runs. All the players contribute and have their own characteristics. We must understand each player’s profile so that the national team comes out on top.
“We dream of winning the World Cup, and that responsibility is positive. We must close ranks as a group and figure out where to improve, understanding that the World Cup won’t be perfect. I know we are prepared to have a great campaign that will bring honor to the country.
What we create off the field is more important, because it builds bonds that allow us to think about our teammates. But nobody will notice, because they’re just details. Off the field we play cards, darts, billiards, and ‘The Wolf’ (a Brazilian game similar to ‘O Lobo’), there are 17 or 18 of us. It creates a beautiful dynamic. Between 10:30 am and 1 pm we have time to play cards. Nobody goes to their rooms.”
Asked about his connection with João Neves, the Manchester United midfielder recalled the free-kick taken by the PSG midfielder against Armenia at the Estádio do Dragão, during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“I really like João Neves because he knew how to break into the national team. I see myself in him, I went through the same thing – I had Bruno Alves, Beto, Coentrão, Pepe, Rui Patrício, whom I looked up to as role models. The first time Cristiano spoke to me about it, I was even surprised. In other words, I try to welcome João Neves. Beto was that figure for me, he was very respected within the national team. Bruno Alves and José Fonte too.”
“A goal against Armenia? We practiced free kicks, I was the one to take them because Cristiano wasn’t there. I had promised João Neves that I would let him take them. At that moment I thought about the kind of person he is and he deserves the trust. And he knows how to take them. He only asked me once and scored a fantastic goal. There’s nothing he can’t do. I have a special affection for João Neves.