Bruno Fernandes has addressed the controversies surrounding the upcoming Qatar World Cup during a remarkably honest post-match interview following Manchester United's dramatic 2-1 win away at Fulham.
The midfielder will be present at the tournament representing Portugal but discussed some of the negativity that has blighted the build-up to the competition and admitted there are aspects of the World Cup he is not happy with. It is one of the first times a player preparing to go to Qatar has spoken so candidly about the situation.
Fernandes told Sky Sports: "Of course, it's strange [the World Cup starting next week]. It's not exactly the time we want to be playing in the World Cup.
"I think for everyone, players and fans, it's not the best time. Kids will be at school, people will be working and the timings will not be the best for people to watch the games."
Fernandes went on to discuss the real controversial elements of the tournament in more detail, adding: "We know the surroundings of the World Cup, what has been in the past few weeks, past few months, about the people that have died on the construction of the stadiums. We are not happy about that at all.
"We want football to be for everyone, everyone has to be included and involved in a World Cup because a World Cup is the world. It's for everyone, it doesn't matter who."
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Fernandes was not done there, going on to explain that while a World Cup should be a thing for fans and players alike to enjoy and look forward to this competition should have been handled far better than it has.
"These kind of things I think should not happen at any time. But for a World Cup, it's more than football, it's a party for fans, players, something that's a joy to watch, should be done in a better way."
It was an interesting point from Fernandes who could have chosen to avoid the question but instead opted to shine a light on how at least some of the players participating in the tournament feel about the host nation's process of holding the event.
Portugal's first game in Qatar comes on Thursday, November 24 when they take on Ghana as they battle it out to top Group H - which also includes Uruguay and South Korea, two nations boasting notable Premier League talent.
