Fred names Manchester United, Arsenal midfield legends as his footballing idols

Fred has named former Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes among his Premier League idols as the Brazilian midfielder targets a long stay in England.

Fred, 25, moved to Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk this summer in a transfer deal worth around £52million.

The midfielder has been in and out of Jose Mourinho's starting XI so far this season as he adapts to English football, but has told United fans that he is in it for the long haul.

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Speaking about growing up in Brazil before moving first to Ukraine to play for Shakhtar and then to England, Fred told United's club website: "My father signed me up for football training when I was only four and my grandfather also used to take me.

"My family have always supported me to develop my football. When I was 10 I started playing for Atletico Mineiro and that was the start of my professional career.

"I played for Atletico and Internacional and then moved to Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk. My family supported me a lot and I'm very thankful for them.

"They were always by my side supporting my dream - it was their dream, too. And today I'm here in Manchester, in this country that is so different to Brazil and Belo Horizonte but I'm adapting well.

"My first son is going to be born here. I like this country a lot and I hope I can stay here for many years."

When asked whether he watched English football as a youngster, the midfielder replied: "Yes, I always watched a lot of English football. It has always been really strong.

"I use to watch United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, when Gilberto Silva used to play there.

"I have many idols like Gilberto, Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes - many great players that have been here as well."

While Fred says he is too busy to meet up with his compatriots across the city, the midfielder is busy making ties within the United squad.

"My wife talks a lot with Fernandinho and Ederson's wives," he added. "For the players, the fixtures and training schedules are very different so we end up not having time.

"I hang out more with the United squad - Andreas Pereira and the players who speak Spanish. Even those who speak English. We meet after work to play video games and have dinner. It is important for the team. Paul Pogba, Andreas, Eric Bailly... we are close friends."