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Bruno Fernandes reveals phone call that left him in tears before Man United’s Europa League finalBruno Fernandes has admitted that a phone call from a former Sporting CP figure left him in

tears ahead of Manchester United's Europa League final against TottenhamCommentsSportMaria Ortega and Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s17:21, 21 May 2025Bruno Fernandes spoke about a phone

call he received ahead of Manchester United's Europa League final(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has revealed that a

heartfelt phone call with his former Sporting CP kitman, João Reis, left him tearful on the eve of the Europa League final.

Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting in a £47million deal in January 2020, still maintains strong emotional ties with the Liga Portugal side. Following Sporting's Liga Portugal title

win, secured with a 2-0 victory over Vitória Guimarães, Reis reached out to Fernandes, now a key figure at Old Trafford.

‌ The call clearly stirred up fond memories and emotions, with Fernandes confessing that he felt immense happiness and gratitude for his time at Sporting. The 30-year-old midfielder

expressed his enduring affection and passion for the Portuguese club, where he spent just under three years before joining United.

‌ "Much happiness and gratitude for everything I lived in Sporting," Fernandes told Sport TV. "It is a club for which I have enormous affection, a huge passion.

"I was as happy or happier than all those who were celebrating. Unfortunately, I could not be there, but I will still celebrate many titles in Marquês.

"Sporting is undergoing a major change. It's also been achieved through Ruben Amorim, Hugo Viana, Frederico Varandas... they've managed to change the dynamics of the club to become

competitive again and win.

Article continues belowSporting CP won the Liga Portugal on Saturday(Image: Getty Images) "I'm happy about that. I got a call from João Reis which brought tears to my eyes. It's a club that

I'll always have enormous affection for and that will always have a place in my heart."

After beginning his professional career with stints at Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria, Fernandes joined Sporting CP in 2017. During his time there, he scored 63 goals and provided 50 assists

in 137 appearances, helping the team to lift a Taca de Portugal and two Taca da Ligas.

‌ Despite these successes, the Primeira Liga title that Sporting clinched this year was one accolade that eluded him during his three-year spell at the club.

Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim both have strong connections to Sporting Lisbon(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images) Another United figure who is likely celebrating Sporting's recent triumphs

is Amorim, who departed the Portuguese club in November to take the reins at Old Trafford. Although Amorim and Fernandes did not overlap at Sporting, they have since developed a strong

partnership at United, even amidst a series of disappointing Premier League results this season.

‌ United are languishing in 16th place in the league with just one match left to play, having secured a mere seven victories under Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag. However, their

fortunes could take a turn tonight when they square off against Totenham Hotspur - another team struggling domestically - in the Europa League final.

After securing third place under the new league structure, United handed Real Sociedad a 4-1 defeat in the round of 16, before dispatching Lyon with an aggregate score of 7-6 in the

quarter-finals. The club then clinched a 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club in the semi-finals, booking their place at San Mamés in Bilbao.

Spurs, on the other hand, managed 3-2 and 2-1 aggregate victories over AZ Alkmaar and Frankfurt respectively in the earlier knockout stages, before enjoying a 5-1 triumph over Bodo/Glimt in

the semis to reach the final.

Article continues below Both teams will be keen to compensate for their dismal Premier League campaigns - with Spurs trailing just one point behind United in the Premier League in 17th

position - in what is set to be a thrilling night of football.