Bruno Fernandes shares secret to never missing a club game through injury in his entire career

It remains one of the most incredible stats in football.

Since making his professional debut for Italian side Novara over a decade ago, Bruno Fernandes has never missed a club game through injury. So what's his secret?

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has made 524 appearances across his 12-year professional career, is an ever-present member of Erik ten Hag's squad at Manchester United.

In fact, Fernandes has played in every single game for the Premier League side this season, including their recent 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.

At one stage, it looked like the Portuguese international would be replaced when he was spotted limping in the latter stages of Sunday's clash at Old Trafford.

But the midfielder carried on, determined to see out the 120 minute game that featured a dramatic last-minute winner from out-of-favour forward Amad Diallo.

After the full-time whistle, Fernandes, who played centre-back in extra time, gave an insight into his mentality.

"I do what's needed to win games," he told reporters via Sporting News.

"I don't mind. It wasn't in the plan, it was trying to go man-marking on the pitch, but I felt at moments I could jump on their midfielders and at moments, I could drop a little bit to help H [Harry Maguire] because obviously, they have a lot of pace up front."

The former Sporting Lisbon man was also asked about the 'dead leg' he picked up during the latter stages of Sunday's game. Here, he opened up about his remarkable injury record and the secrets behind it.

"I just have to be grateful for my father and my mum because they made me the right way, the strong way." he said.

"They've been here for the last two games and they give me that extra energy, with my kids and my wife, they always take care of me."

Image credit: Getty

Fernandes added: "My wife does a great job at home to give me as much rest as I can. It's difficult when you have two kids at home and they want to play.

"My youngest one wants to play football all the time, but I get my rest, my naps, everything I need, because she's there to help me. Part of this record is my family."

Since joining the club in 2020, Fernandes has missed just one game for United – a Premier League clash against Spurs in March 2022 – and that was through illness.

Prior to joining the ranks at Old Trafford, he also missed a game for Italian side Sampdoria after catching the flu, but his injury record at club level remains intact.