Bruno Fernandes revealed in a chat to Stephen Ireland he used to have posters of the former Manchester City star on his wall.
Manchester United's Fernandes, who is now a neighbour of Ireland's since making the switch to Old Trafford, also used to sign the midfielder on Football Manager.
Ireland says he is getting on well with his new pal from three doors up the street, and that the Portuguese has already offered to have a kickabout with his youngest son.
“He told me that, as a kid, he had a poster of me,” Ireland told The Athletic. “He said that when he played Football Manager he always signed me.
“I was like, ‘You had me on a poster? And, seriously, you sign me for Football Manager?’ I mean, how weird is that?”
Ireland enjoyed a successful five-year stint at the Etihad before firther spells with Aston Villa, Newcastle, Stoke and Bolton.
He failed to make an appearance for the Trotters before leaving after just two months in December, however, and has been without a club ever since.
Fernandes made a scoring return to action after the enforced mid-season hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic as United drew 1-1 at Spurs on Friday night.
The 25-year-old netted from the penalty spot and will be looking to continue in the same vein when the Red Devils face Sheffield United at Old Trafford this evening.
He could partner Paul Pogba in the middle of the park for the first time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to get the best out of his marquee men.
