Bruno: We are not happy about World Cup situation

Following Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Fulham, the final game before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, Bruno Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports about his frustration over the timing of the tournament.

Of course, it’s strange [the World Cup starting next week]. It’s not exactly the time we want to be playing in the World Cup. I think for everyone, players and fans, it’s not the best time. Kids will be at school, people will be working and the timings will not be the best for people to watch the games.

Fernandes is a part of the Portugal squad, who find themselves in a World Cup 2022 Groups alongside Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea, but took the opportunity in his post match interview to criticise host Qatar.

We know the surroundings of the World Cup, what has been in the past few weeks, past few months, about the people that have died on the construction of the stadiums. We are not happy about that at all. We want football to be for everyone, everyone has to be included and involved in a World Cup because a World Cup is the world. It’s for everyone, it doesn’t matter who. These kind of things I think should not happen at any time. But for a World Cup, it’s more than football, it’s a party for fans, players, something that’s a joy to watch, should be done in a better way.

Fernandes scored for Portugal in the Nations League game against the Czech Republic six weeks ago, on the night United teammate Diogo Dalot grabbed two goals, and will be looking to play a key role for his country. It was his goals against North Macedonia earlier this year in the World Cup play-off that claimed Portugal’s place in the tournament. At the time, he reflected on what it meant to be going to the World Cup.

The objective was achieved. It was the most important thing. I think Portugal played better, we’ve had better performances, but this is one of the highlights because it guarantees access to the World Cup. The important thing is to help the team. I’m not here to score, I’m here to help. If I can help with goals, I’m happy to. Any player likes to score. But the main focus is to help. That’s what I did, as I have been doing. If I have had this continuity in this Selection it is probably due to the fact of doing what the manager asks.