The brother of a Man United star has opened up on the downside of being related to one of the country’s most famous footballers.
Many would imagine that having a famous sibling would be nothing but beneficial however, it actually comes with its own set of unique challenges.
From being targeted in his own football endeavours to overhearing the criticism for his brother, Ricardo Fernandes – brother of United captain Bruno – opened up on his unique situation.
Though he may not have hit the same heights as his brother, Ricardo is captain of Roffey of Division One of the Southern Combination Football League – where his likeness to Bruno is somewhat detrimental.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Ricardo mentioned that he would often be targeted on the pitch due to his resemblance to brother Bruno. He said: ‘Oh, yes, that happens. I’m not saying every game, but most games.
‘I don’t mind people coming up to me and speaking about my brother. I’m glad Bruno is known around the world. Manchester United was a big step for him. You hear the criticism and sometimes it affects you. It’s tempting to comment, but you have to leave it.’
Ricardo Fernandes – brother of Man United star Bruno – has opened up on his experiences
Ricardo – who also works for the NHS – bears a striking resemblance to his brother
The Roffey captain admitted that people tend to think that he’s had everything handed to him, due to his relationship to Bruno, but that’s not the case.
‘People tend to think, ‘Oh, he’s got this and that because of his brother’, but me and my partner have earned everything ourselves,’ he said. ‘I’m very proud of Bruno, though. I think he always looked at me growing up. We have a five-year age gap and he liked to come and play with me and my mates.
‘I had to look after him – I didn’t want my friends kicking my brother if he was nutmegging them! I think that’s how he developed his strong mentality, playing against older opponents.
‘When I was young, my friends and close family probably thought I was the brother who was going to make it, but I didn’t and he did.’
As well as his endeavours on the football pitch, Ricardo also works for the NHS.
He’s been beside brother Bruno throughout his professional career, which began with Novara in Italy’s Serie B at just 17.
Fernandes’ early career in Italy saw him ply his trade with Udinese before a loan move to Sampdoria turned permanent, showcasing his potential in Serie A.
Ricardo is captain of Roffey of Division One of the Southern Combination Football League
Ricardo pictured alongside wife Patricia Fereira and their son Tomas
However, it was his return to Portugal with Sporting CP that truly elevated his status, after being crowned the Primeira Liga Player of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.
United then splashed out £47million in January 2020 on the midfielder, who has 86 goals and 77 assists in 262 appearances for the Red Devils.
He was given the captain’s armband by Erik ten Hag two seasons ago. Fernandes has seven goals and 11 assists in 29 matches.
