Bruno Fernandes has refused to rule out a move to Brazil once his time at Manchester United comes to an end.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined the Reds from Sporting CP in 2020 for a reported £47 million, has been one of the Premier League's best performers since his much-anticipated arrival.
In fact, last season, he created 119 chances in England's top flight, which was the highest on record.
According to Opta, Fernandes was also the most involved player in open play attacking sequences across the season, both overall and on a per 90 basis, recording 23 through balls during the campaign.
Erik ten Hag would struggle to replace the Portuguese midfielder if he decided to leave Old Trafford, and that prospect is extremely unlikely given his current status.But Fernandes could well end up playing in Brazil one day after he responded to the prospect of playing his football in South America.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, he said: “Whenever I can, I follow it, because I find Brazilian football attractive, electric football, with a lot of quality, joy, very one-on-one.
“It’s pure football. And I think that now, with the coaches that are there, not only the Portuguese, but also Brazilians, are increasingly developing in the tactical part.
“I don’t really like talking about the distant future, but it’s like I said. It’s attractive football, very interesting. The only thing is that the trips are very long there in Brazil [laughs].
"There are many competitions, many clubs that play Libertadores and Sudamericana, very good competitions. I’m not saying no, because Brazilian football is very attractive, and we never know the future.”
Fernandes, who was officially confirmed as the new captain of Manchester United in July, penned a four-year contract with Manchester United in April last year with the option to extend.
The likelihood of him leaving before 2026 is low but as you can see from the above interview, the midfielder has refused to rule out the possibility of playing his football in Brazil one day.
Earlier this month, Fernandes revealed the surprise career route he could have gone down if he didn't make it as a footballer.
"It's a difficult one," he told Sky Sports. "When I was young I would have liked to have been a vet. I like animals but when you get older you start to understand you'll be scared of some animals.
"When you're young you don't realise how bad they can be. For now I'm more into dogs. Even with cats I'm a little bit like, 'Oh I can't trust you!". But I like animals and that's why. I never get into like I want to something other than a footballer.
"That was something because I like animals, that was the point at that time."
Asked if he would consider becoming a vet when he hangs up his boots, Fernandes added: "No I don't think so. Probably helping animals but not being a vet."
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