Fernandes chooses Spurs over United
Mateus Fernandes has named Bruno Fernandes as his idol despite deciding to join Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Manchester United. The 21-year-old midfielder completed an £85 million move to Spurs after United refused to meet West Ham's valuation.
Fernandes had attracted significant interest this summer following an impressive season with West Ham. Tottenham, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were all competing for his signature, along with Manchester United. The Portugal Under-21 international was understood to have preferred a move to Old Trafford, but the club's reluctance to match the asking price allowed Spurs to swoop in.
Idol revelation in TikTok Q&A
In his first set of interviews with Spurs, Fernandes gave a clear indication that he would have relished the prospect of linking up with United captain Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford. When asked to name his idol in a TikTok Q&A posted on Spurs' official account, Fernandes quickly named his Portuguese countryman.
“Bruno Fernandes,” he said without hesitation. The admission highlights the midfielder's admiration for the United star, despite ultimately choosing a different path.
De Zerbi key to decision
Fernandes also revealed that manager Roberto De Zerbi played a crucial role in convincing him to join Tottenham. “I’m very happy, I’m very excited for this next step,” Fernandes told Spurs Play. “Of course, it’s a massive club. I already know the city, the country. I spoke with the manager. I think he was the main key for me to join Tottenham and the project.”
The midfielder added: “The way he spoke with me, my family, it was very special for me. I’m very excited to meet him, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, try to do my best and enjoy the moment.”
Ambition to fight for Premier League title
Fernandes expressed his determination to succeed at Tottenham, who finished just two points above the Premier League relegation zone last season. “We will fight for Premier League. We will fight for the first place,” he declared. “I think we need this type of people, not just as a manager, but as a guy to try to take everything of you. It can be very special for me. I fully believe in him and this club.”
The 21-year-old also welcomed the pressure of playing for a big club. “I’m ready for this next step. I’m ready for this pressure. It’s one thing that I work for. So, I’m very excited to play for a big club, for a manager that wants to win titles,” he said.
