Bruno Fernandes says that he has been a Manchester United fan ever since he watched his fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo play for the Old Trafford club.
The 25-year-old Portugal international signed for a United on Thursday in a deal which could ultimately rise to £67.8million, penning a five-and-a-half year contract with the Red Devils.
Fernandes is an international teammate of Ronaldo these days, and says that watching him play for United - for whom he played for between 2003 and 2009 - turned him into a fan of his new club.
“My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club," Fernandes told the United website.
"For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible, I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.
"I want to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me. It is surreal to hear the nice words that have been said about me from players that used to play for this team.
"A massive thank you to Ole and everyone at Manchester United for the trust they have shown in me and I can’t wait to start to repay that on the pitch.”
Fernandes was a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the summer, but United have made their move now in order to add some much-needed creativity to their midfield.
The Portuguese could make his United debut in Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Wolves.
