Manchester City and Manchester United boast one of the fiercest rivalries in English football and matches between the two always yield excitement.
From Denis Law’s famous backheel goal for Manchester City in 1974 to the relatively recent 6-3 hammering of Manchester United, there have been many big games and moments in the Manchester derby.
But despite the huge rivalry between the two clubs, there remains professionalism and even respect between individual players. Or in other words, game recognises game.
United captain Bruno Fernandes has now revealed that he proudly owns the shirt of a City player he has “always really liked”, calling him a “top class” player.
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
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Bruno Fernandes proud to have Kevin De Bruyne shirt in his collection
In an interview with the United media team, Fernandes said that he is proud to have Kevin De Bruyne’s shirt in his collection.
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The Red Devils skipper spoke highly of the City captain as he revealed he’s especially keen on getting shirts from fellow midfielders.
“I have De Bruyne’s, for example,” said Fernandes. “He is someone that I’ve always really liked and respect a lot for what he has done in football.
“Martin Odegaard also, I also exchanged with both of them.
“I have exchanged the shirts with players that play in my position, that I really like, and I really think that they are top-class players, like Cole Palmer, I have his shirt also.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone but I wouldn’t mind asking them if I do think so.
“Declan Rice, when he was still at West Ham. He asked me, at the time, when we swapped because I know he does have a big collection.
“I also have a Son one from Tottenham.”
Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City career
De Bruyne’s career at City needs no introduction – he is one of the best midfielders in the world and was nigh-on unstoppable in his prime.
City paid Wolfsburg £55million to sign De Bruyne back in 2015, and he has done so well over the years that the fee now seems a bargain.
Indeed, football legend Marcel Desailly even suggested De Bruyne has the best right foot in world football.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City career
Appearances 412
Goals 106
Assists 174
Premier League titles 6
Champions League titles 1
FA Cups 2
League Cups 5
FIFA Club World Cups 1
Community Shields 3
However, it looks as though De Bruyne’s City career is winding down, as his contract expires at the end of the season amid rumours of a move to MLS side San Diego FC on the cards.
Should De Bruyne leave this season, it will be incredibly difficult for fans given all he has done for the club – but the show must go on.