Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WHY BERNARD HAD TO GET ROO’S SHIRT
EVERTON midfielder Bernard has revealed why Wayne Rooney’s framed Manchester United shirt takes pride of place in his family home in Brazil.
Bernard fell in love with English football, watching Premier League matches with his dad Delio, when growing up in Belo Horizonte.
And Rooney (below) was his father’s favourite player.
So, when Bernard found himself playing for Shakhtar Donetsk against Rooney’s United in the Champions League six years ago, he went on a mission to bag the striker’s prized No.10 jersey.
Delio had it framed and mounted in the front room – although, like
Rooney, it is Everton he will be shouting for when United visit
Goodison today.
Bernard explained:
“My dad was a big Wayne
Rooney fan, so when I played for Shakhtar against United, I managed to swap shirts with him.
“It was a very welcome present to my dad. It really made him happy.
“We would get up every Sunday morning in Brazil and watch the Premier League games. It was a tradition.
“I don’t think my dad had a favourite team, but just liked watching quality football. So he was a big fan of Rooney.
“My dad loves all football and had the opportunity to become a professional footballer himself, but it wasn’t possible because his family lived in the countryside, more than two hours outside Belo Horizonte. They only had humble means and so my grandfather didn’t want him to leave home.
“My dad didn’t get to live the dream, but I’ve had the opportunity to live my dream and fulfil his dream at the same time.
“Without a doubt, he will be there sitting on the same sofa cheering me on when we play United, like he always is.
“I think that gives me an extra motivating factor to show my dad that I deserve to be playing in the best championship in the world.”
Delio will see another familiar face when he tunes in on TV. Bernard came though the same youth team at Atletico Mineiro as United’s £50million midfielder Fred – and the pair were later team-mates at Shakhtar.
Bernard said: “Fred is a great friend – and a great player.
“But there is going to be a difficult adaptation period when you move to the Premier League.
“When we played Arsenal the other week, when I was substituted, I received a standing ovation from the whole stadium.
“That is the first time in my whole career that has happened – and it made me so happy.”