Manchester United full-back Alex Telles has given his verdict on how important Portuguese pair Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are to the club.
Following the homecoming of Ronaldo, the Portuguese duo have struck up a deadly partnership, which was influential in guiding United to the Champions League last-16, as Group F winners.
Ronaldo may have scored in every Champions League game, so far this season, but United’s number 18 is keeping pace with his compatriot, as he has registered an assist in every match.
Telles, who celebrated his 29th birthday yesterday and has started five of our last six games, has spoken to the club’s official website about his Portuguese-speaking team mates.
The Brazilian international said: “Bruno is an exceptional player. I’m biased because he’s a great friend of mine. He’s a world class player that plays for the team, not himself.
“He’s a very intelligent player, he thinks before initiating a play. His evolution at the club has been very important since he arrived. A lot of goals, a lot of assists, he’s tremendously important for us.
“I only ask that he keeps on going, he’s a humble guy, focused and hardworking. Long may it continue to bring us even more joy.”
Speaking about the legendary five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the former Porto man, said: “There aren’t words to describe Cristiano, we all know how important he is.
“It’s not just for Manchester United, but in football in general considering. Everything he’s achieved in his career, all the Champions League trophies he’s won, we know the weight he carries in this competition.
“For me and the other Portuguese speakers, it’s obviously a closer relationship. It’s really important for me after having played in Portugal for so many years and I know the culture well.
“Knowing we have one of the best players in the world alongside us makes us happy and confident going up against opponents knowing we have such strength on our side.”
United’s Brazilian and Portuguese contingent continue to have a massive influence on our performances and six of United’s last nine goals in all competitions have been scored by players hailing from either Portugal or Brazil.
Fernandes and Ronaldo have been included in a 23-man World XI squad named by FIFA and FIFPRO, the global players’ union.
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