- Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes on World Cup
- Wants to win it for Cristiano Ronaldo
- Both Old Trafford heroes deserve it
Bruno Fernandes has spoken of his desire to help Cristiano Ronaldo win the World Cup this summer. The Manchester United skipper feels the five-time Ballon d’Or winner deserves to end his career with the trophy.
Portugal are one of the favourites to win the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada. They cruised through the qualifiers, finishing top of their group with 13 points from six games.
Fernandes played a crucial role including bagging a hat-trick and an assist in a 9-1 mauling of Armenia. He will be a key man for Roberto Martinez’s side this summer.
Fernandes Wants Ronaldo To Become World Champion
Ronaldo continues to show that age is just a number on the international stage. The 41-year-old struck five goals in as many qualifying games to take his tally for his nation to 143 goals in 226 caps.
This World Cup will be the former United hero’s last, and he is expected to retire from international duty after it concludes. That’s why Fernandes is so determined to ensure Portugal wins it for the first time in their history.
Speaking to Ronaldo’s former teammate, Wayne Rooney, the 31-year-old explained what it would feel like to lift the World Cup alongside the greatest goalscorer in football history. He said on The Wayne Rooney Show:
“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano [Ronaldo] winning it would be something amazing. I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world.”
Rooney will obviously be cheering England on but he would be happy to see Ronaldo and Fernandes prevail. He responded:
“I would love to see you and Cristiano win the World Cup. Go and enjoy it. Have fun. And I hope you do well.”
That’s a sentiment likely shared by most United fans who watched Ronaldo grow into arguably the biggest superstar has ever seen. While Lionel Messi might be the most gifted footballer in history, his longtime rival is undoubtedly the box office attraction.
That said, there’s just as much desire from the Old Trafford faithful to see their heroic number seven become a world champion as there is Fernandes. The current club captain is now entering icon status at the Theatre of Dreams amid a sensational season.
Fernandes and Ronaldo Deserve It
Fernandes has yet to win the big one for both club and country. It feels wishful to expect him to win a Premier League or Champions League title in the next 2-3 years.
Ronaldo has won every major trophy on offer except the World Cup. It’s the one accomplishment evading him and it would, as Fernandes put it, be amazing to see him crowned in North America this summer.
Portugal start their campaign off in Group K and should ease their way through to the knockout rounds. They face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
