Bruno Fernandes' dad used to kick him when he played football as a kid and claimed it was to prepare him for the Premier League.
The midfielder has been a revelation since moving to Manchester United in the January transfer window.
England's top flight has long been known for its combative nature which has seen several foreign stars struggle to adapt.
But Fernandes has already hit the ground running with the United star crediting his football mad family with readying him for the Premier League.
“My father plays and my brother plays, so I think I followed in their footsteps,” he said in a Q&A on United’s website.
“I have some cousins also who play football and futsal. The family, we had Sunday games with my dad, my cousins and friends of my dad.
“They played every Sunday on the pitch close to my home. When I became 13 or 14 years old, I started to play with them and sometimes my dad kicked me a little bit, just to prepare me for the Premier League!”
Since his £67m move to Old Trafford Fernandes has scored three times and been praised for the affect he's had on his team-mates.
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And the 25-year-old admits that he has been inspired by the supporters who were already chanting songs about him just days after he signed.
He added: “It is difficult to say one thing because at Manchester United, going out at Old Trafford, everybody knows about the stadium and the atmosphere.
"But when you have the kit of Manchester United, all red, with your black shorts, and you feel the atmosphere of the stadium, and you feel everything, you feel the support of your fans, it is something special.
"For me, for example, when I came from Sporting, I arrived and I was in Manchester for two days. I played against Wolves and they already had a song for me!
"I had just arrived and the supporters already gave me the support I need to be confident and be at home. I think this is the most important thing, that atmosphere and love you feel from your supporters.”
