Bruno Fernandes admits he was brought to tears as he makes admission before Man Utd final

An emotional telephone conversation with and his former Sporting CP kitman João Reis left the Manchester United star in tears of joy on the eve of the final. The midfielder has been an instrumental player for the Red Devils since his £47million move from the Portuguese club in January 2020. Fernandes clearly maintains a strong affection for Sporting, as evidenced by his emotional reaction to the call.

The 30-year-old's former club had just secured the Liga Portugal title, defeating Vitória Guimarães 2-0 at home to finish two points ahead of rivals Benfica. Reis, the club's U16 strength and conditioning coach, quickly reached out to Fernandes to share the excitement of their championship win, leaving the midfielder overcome with emotion. Speaking to Sport TV, Fernandes expressed his deep affection for Sporting, stating: "Much happiness and gratitude for everything I lived in Sporting.

"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. I would have liked to have been there to congratulate the players, coaches and staff. I was able to do it with those who are here [Ruben Amorim and company] and who were part of this, congratulate them."

He added (via ): "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. 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."

Fernandes' record for Sporting boasts an impressive tally of 63 goals and 50 assists in 137 appearances, during which he clinched a Taca de Portugal and two Taca da Ligas with the side. The Primeira Liga title won by Sporting this year was one of the few achievements Fernandes didn't experience during his three-year spell at the club.

A key figure at Manchester United who would be revelling in Sporting's recent accolades is none other than head coach Ruben Amorim, who took charge of United in November following his departure from the Portuguese team. Although Amorim and Fernandes never worked together in Lisbon, they've forged a strong partnership at Old Trafford, despite experiencing a series of disappointing results in the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils currently find themselves in 16th place in the league with just one match left to play, having secured only seven wins under the management of Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag.

However, their luck could turn around on Wednesday evening when they go head-to-head with Spurs - 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 edging out Lyon with an aggregate score of 7-6 in the quarter-finals. The Red Devils then clinched a 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club in the semi-finals, earning 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 secure their spot in the final.

Both teams will be keen to make amends for their disappointing Premier League campaigns - with Spurs trailing just one point behind United in 17th position - in what is set to be a thrilling night of football.