Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes admitted that there are five legendary sporting figures that are in contention for the status of best athlete in the world.
Bruno Fernandes is currently out on international duty with Portugal for his native homeland’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany this summer.
The 29-year-old Manchester United captain has linked up with club teammate Diogo Dalot and Red Devils legend Cristiano Ronaldo at the Euros.
Fernandes has been a key figure for Portugal boss Roberto Martinez and featured in both of the Euro 2016 champions’ opening two matches at the tournament.
The Portugal international played the full 90 minutes in his country’s sensational 2-1 comeback win against the Czech Republic in their Group F opener.
Fernandes found the back of the net for the first time at Euro 2024 on Saturday in Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey at the Westfalenstadion.
Portugal, who are considered one of the tournament favourites, have secured their place in the round of 16 at this summer’s Euros after their win over Turkey.
Roberto Martinez’s men are top of Group F – three points clear of second-place Turkey – and will face Georgia on 26th June ahead of their last-16 clash.
Man Utd star Fernandes names his top five
Speaking to Pro:Direct Soccer, Bruno Fernandes took part in a series of quickfire Q&As and was asked about the premier athlete in the world.
The Portugal international admitted that it was a “difficult” question to answer, with Fernandes adding that Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is up there for it.
However, Fernandes revealed that Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer could challenge Ronaldo for that distinguished accolade.
“The greatest athlete in the world? That’s difficult. Obviously, in Portugal, we have Cristiano,” he said.
“Then you end up having Michael Jordan. Then you go to many other things, Michael Phelps could be one, Tiger Woods could be another one. Federer could be another one.
“I think these ones, all of them in different sports have showed their qualities.”
Fernandes talks Man Utd legend Ronaldo
Fernandes effortlessly found the back of the net against Turkey after Ronaldo unselfishly squared the ball to him for an easy tap-in from close range.
The United captain praised his Portugal teammate, who has come under criticism for his selfish style of play at times, for what he did during the aforementioned moment.
“Every player likes to score goals, but it’s not the most important thing and that is reflected in my goal,” he told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
“Cristiano is our best scorer, goalscorer, and at the moment of opportunity he gives the ball wide.
“He shows the meaning that there is for us of winning games and not scoring goals.”