Bruno Fernandes received abuse online after the Manchester United sent a message following Portugal’s exit from the World Cup
Bruno Fernandes(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned off the comments on a recent social media post following a barrage of abuse online. The 31-year-old was part of the Portugal squad at the World Cup until their elimination at the hands of Spain in the last-16.
A stoppage-time goal from Arsenal’s Mikel Merino secured a 1-0 win for Spain over Portugal, booking a place in the quarter-final where they will face Belgium.
Fernandes took to social media to send a message to Portugal fans following the country’s exit from the World Cup, making his disappointment clear.
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“Sad, frustrated, and disillusioned,” Fernandes wrote on X. “This group of players made my expectations high, not only for the quality, but also for the fact of the incredible group that we built over these years.
“Thank you to all the players, technical team, and all the staff who accompanied and helped us every day during the World Cup. To all the Portuguese, a huge thank you for your support and belief.”
The aftermath of the post led to Fernandes receiving abuse from some Portugal supporters, as well as some Cristiano Ronaldo fans, which has now resulted in the United captain turning off the comments.
Ronaldo scored three goals during the World Cup, and the United legend’s sister, Katia Aveiro, appeared to make her feelings clear during the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain(Image: Getty Images)
After Portugal were held to a draw with DR Congo in their opening match of the World Cup, Katia appeared to ‘like’ a post on Instagram that commented on Fernandes’ performance.
Featuring a picture of Fernandes, the post read: “This one here is the Raphinha for Portugal. Too much popcorn for the national team.”
The aftermath of Portugal’s exit from the World Cup saw manager Roberto Martinez announce that he would be stepping down from his role with the country’s national team.
“It’s the end of the cycle,” Martinez told reporters after the game. “It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader.
“I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.
“It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”
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