Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he wants to play football for as long as possible, even district football, with former team-mate Victor Lindelof having very different plans
Bruno Fernandes has confessed he can envisage himself playing well into his thirties, in stark contrast to former Manchester United colleague Victor Lindelof. Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, the United skipper revealed his ambition to extend his career, even admitting he’d contemplate turning out in lower leagues such as district football.
The 31-year-old, whose deal runs until summer 2027, reinforced his passion for the beautiful game following summer speculation linking him with Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal were reportedly prepared to table a substantial bid for Fernandes, but the transfer fell through, allowing Ruben Amorim’s squad to retain their captain.
During the same interview, Fernandes also suggested he might be open to departing United in the foreseeable future should he sense he’s no longer ‘wanted’ at Old Trafford. When quizzed about whether he’d continue playing until physically unable, he responded: “I wouldn’t say until I can’t anymore, I want to prolong my career as much as possible.
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“It’s not about the attention I get, but about the love I have for football.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else, and it’s hard to think that in five years I might hang up my boots.”
Fernandes disclosed a previous chat with Lindelof from their shared time at the club, noting: “Some players see it differently.
“Victor Lindelof once told me he won’t want to play beyond the ages of 33/34. But I told him, I can’t accept that.
“I wouldn’t mind playing in lower leagues – I just want to enjoy the game and keep playing football. Maybe even, in a moment of madness, I’d play district football at an advanced age.
“That’s a different way of living the sport – football played purely for love, where you’re with your teammates and friends simply because you need to play.”
At 31, Lindelof bid farewell to United this summer after an eight-year stint, following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season.
He signed a two-year deal with Aston Villa in September.
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