Gil Vicente youngster Gonçalo Maia has revealed he idolises Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.
Tuesday’s edition of Record have published an interview with the 18-year-old, where a section is dedicated to the Manchester United captain.
Maia was promoted to Gil Vicente U23s last season and maintained his place in the side this season, scoring a goal and registering three assists from seven league games.
He states Gil Vicente U23 coach and coordinator Luís Ricardo had a key role in convincing him to change his position from No.10 to No.8 or 6. The duo had made him understand he has qualities well suited for the latter two roles.
“Before joining the U23 team I believed I was a 10, but coach Carlos Cunha and coordinator Luís Ricardo made me see that I could perform more if I played in the 6 or 8 position, because I have characteristics that fit better to face the game head on,” he said.
The Portuguese rising star then talked about his admiration for Fernandes. He said the 30-year-old midfielder is his idol and explained why he looks up to the Manchester United midfielder.
“My reference for a few years, since he joined Sporting, has been Bruno Fernandes,” Maia explained.
“He has spirit, a lot of character, he is a communicator, he organises, and I believe I can become like him because I can help my teammates adjust and I also try to get in more attacking positions.”
Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting in January 2020. He’s been a regular for both the Red Devils and Portugal since then. He’s scored 79 goals and registered 71 assists from 245 matches for Manchester United so far.
