Bruno Fernandes has explained he opted to switch to the number eight at Manchester United in tribute to his father.
Fernandes has worn 18 since arriving at Old Trafford as Juan Mata occupied his favoured jersey. He has used the number eight for the majority of his career, wearing it at Udinese and Sporting CP as well as for Portugal.
Mata's departure at the end of last season gave Fernandes a chance to do the same for United and he wasted little time getting the number locked down.
Now, the 27-year-old has explained why eight is so special to him.
“That shirt means a lot [to me],” he told MUTV. “There is a history behind that [number] because my father, when he used to be a player, he was playing with a number eight.
“He quit from football because he had an offer from work, and obviously at that time for me and my brothers and for all the family it was better that he had proper work than [to] keep playing football.
“[The number eight] is the number he was using for two years. Because it was also his dream [to be a footballer], it makes my dream a little bit of him.”
Fernandes also has a 'BF8' tattoo honouring his parents for the sacrifices they made when he was growing up.
“The B is the last name of my mum, Borges, and the F is the last name of my father, Fernandes,” he added.
"The eight is the day of my birthday! So this number eight says a lot about me, says a lot about my family, says a lot about my past and that's why I like to use [it]. And that's why it's my preferred number."
Source : 90min