Jaime Marta Soares did not hide her sadness at the death of Manuel Fernandes, “an inevitable figure in Sporting and Portuguese football.”
“I am very sad, my Manelito… how tenderly I treated him. This is a sad day, and I am also very sad because I have long wanted to visit him in the hospital.
I had a great friendship with Manuel Fernandes and always followed his career. He is an irreplaceable figure in Sporting and Portuguese football. We respected each other very much, we certainly miss each other very much. He was a great player, but above all, a great person. A humble person with very strong values.
I would like to take this opportunity to express solidarity with the family in this difficult time, especially Tiago Fernandes,” said the former Leonine leader.