The Portugal international has expressed his desire that, even though it could never materialise now, Declan Rice would have flourished at Manchester United, prior to his club-record switch to Arsenal in 2023.
The midfielder, at West Ham until 2023, became a signing to be reckoned with, for a reported £105 million, and was integral to transforming Mikel Arteta’s outfit into title-chasers this season due to his influence on both sides of the park.
Fernandes, who narrowly lost out on the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year to Rice, had a lengthy respect for the midfield maestro due to his playing style. ‘I’ve always thought that he was a player made for playing for Manchester United, so I was really sad he chose to join Arsenal,’ expressed the Portugal captain.
The midfielder went on to reveal his admiration, not just on a footballing level, as Fernandes had spent two weeks training with the England international at the start of the season. “I admire him not just as a player, but also as a person. He’s already shown me his personality, his mentality, and his professionalism and how much work he puts into his game… He’s already been fantastic,” declared Fernandes.
The Portugal international refused to get overexcited about being voted the best player over his colleague. He was not arrogant when accepting his FWA award, conceding Rice also would have deserved to claim the award based on his spectacular season.
Rice will be a crucial player for Arsenal in their chase for success in future seasons, while Fernandes will once again lead a struggling Man Utd squad, for the midfield battle both stars have enjoyed so much, throughout next term.
