Categories: Politics

The rivals united, saying goodbye to Manuel Fernandes

This Saturday, thousands of people headed to the José Alvalade stadium to pay tribute to Manuel Fernandez. Queues in the VIP hall, where the ballot box was located, formed early in the morning. Throughout the day, prominent figures in Portuguese football associated with Sporting and other areas of civil society interacted with anonymous fans. Entire families, from several generations, with children accompanying their parents and grandparents, said goodbye to their former sports glory, who died at the age of 73 from cancer.

The first hour of waking up was reserved for the family. Despite this, coach Ruben Amorim could be seen next to Thiago Fernandez, Manel’s son, as he was usually treated. “It’s a difficult day. One of the best in our history. I and Sporting also have a clear conscience for the tributes he received during his life. I know that inside he was very happy, as he is today. [este sábado] for this public to thank him for everything he has done for Sporting,” said Frederico Varandas.

Villas-Boas and Rui Costa present

“I pay my most sincere tribute. My condolences to the family of Manuel Fernandes and the entire Sporting family. He left us a great football legend,” said André Villas-Boas, president of FC Porto. “Manuel Fernandes is one of those who dedicated their whole lives to the club, they are idols of their clubs, but they are still great figures in Portuguese football,” said Rui Costa, president of Benfica, who was also present at the event.

Funeral for family only
After the entire day of the wake this Saturday was open to the public (the doors to the Alvalade VIP room only closed at 11:30 p.m.), today the funeral is reserved for the family of Manuel Fernandez, whose body will be cremated. Despite this, the funeral procession, which will leave Plaza Centenario at 11 a.m., is expected to be well attended.

Author: Joao Moniz
Source: CM Jornal

Sandra

I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.