The brother of a Man United star has opened up about the downside of being related to one of the country's most famous footballers.
Many might imagine that having a famous sibling would only be helpful, but it actually comes with its own set of unique challenges.
From being targeted for his own football activities to overhearing criticism of his brother, Ricardo Fernandes – brother of United captain Bruno – opened up about his unique situation.
While he may not have reached the same heights as his brother, Ricardo captains Roffey of Division One of the Southern Combination Football League, where his resemblance to Bruno is somewhat damaging.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Ricardo said he would often be targeted on the pitch due to his resemblance to brother Bruno. He said, 'Oh yes, that happens. I don't say every game, but most games.
“I don't mind people coming up to me and talking about my brother. I'm happy that Bruno is known all over the world. Manchester United was a big step for him. You hear the criticism and sometimes it affects you. It's tempting to comment, but you have to leave it at that.'
The Roffey captain admitted that people tend to think he has been handed everything because of his relationship with Bruno, but that is not the case.
“People tend to think, 'Oh, he has this and that because of his brother,' but me and my partner earned everything ourselves,” he said. 'But I am very proud of Bruno. I think he always watched me growing up. We have a five year age difference and he loved coming to play with me and my friends.
'I had to look after him – I didn't want my friends to kick my brother when he was nutmegging them! I think he developed his strong mentality by playing against older opponents.
“When I was young, my friends and close family probably thought I was the brother who would make it, but I didn't and he did.”
In addition to his efforts on the football field, Ricardo also works for the NHS.
He has spent his entire professional career alongside brother Bruno, who started with Novara in the Italian Serie B at the age of 17.
Fernandes' early career in Italy saw him ply his trade at Udinese before a move to Sampdoria became permanent, demonstrating his potential in Serie A.
However, it was his return to Portugal with Sporting CP that really elevated his status, after he was crowned Primeira Liga Player of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.
United then spent £47 million on the midfielder in January 2020, who scored 86 goals and 77 assists in 262 appearances for the Red Devils.
Two seasons ago, Erik ten Hag gave him the captain's armband. Fernandes scored seven goals and eleven assists in 29 games.
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