Bruno Fernando: “Real Madrid is a historic club and being part of something so great means a lot"
"I'm excited, happy to be here and I can't wait to get on court and get started," said the new madridista.
Bruno Fernando spoke to Realmadrid TV in his first interview as a madridista. The Angola-born center had the following to say: "It means a lot to play for Real Madrid. They're a historic club and simply having the chance to be part of something so great... When you look at the club's history, what it's done over the years, and having the opportunity to be part of it, that means a lot. It's a key point in my career and it was a good decision to come here, I'm delighted."
“I'm someone who will score points when he gets the chance. I can lead the defense at a high level and bring a positive atmosphere to the locker room. I try and help my teammates, from the younger lads right through to those with more experience. I try and find the best way to get along with everyone and form a tight-knit group with my teammates. When it comes to matches, that's the easiest part, it's what I've been doing for a long time, my whole life in fact. I'm a player who will help the team however I'm asked, whether that means scoring points, rebounding, blocking, directing defense or just being a good guy and teammate."
His NBA experience
“Playing in the NBA was unbelievable, it's a dream for any basketball player, to have that feeling and enjoy that experience... I can only say positive things. The league in incredible, every team I've been with has been incredible. It was a top quality experience in every sense, they did a wonderful job of helping me to grow as a player and as a person."
His feelings
“I feel good, wonderful, I've been training and doing all the right things. I was playing up until very recently, so I feel great. My body won't be an issue, nor will adjusting to the time difference, because I come to Europe on a regular basis. I'm feeling good, I'm ready to get started.”
Relationship with Tavares
“It'll be a great experience to share a team with Tavares. I've played against him for my national team, Angola vs. Cape Verde. I've known him for a long time, he's a hugely dominant player, the ability he has to change a game on his own… It will be a fantastic experience for me to be up close to him. It's a chance to be together and for me to learn from him, from his game, and he from mine too."
Goals
“My first objective is always to win. We want to win championships, EuroLeagues, the League… I'll do everything I can to win as many games as possible, especially the big games, that's my main goal. As a basketball player I may have all kinds of individual goals, but none of them make sense if you're not able to achieve your team goals first and foremost."
Real Madrid City
“The facilities are amazing, I'm so impressed, they're much better than I'd imagined, but at the same time I'm hardly surprised because we're talking about the best club in the world. How the club is set up, its history, everything surrounding it. All of that means when you come and see the facilities, you're not so surprised."
Message for the fans
“To the Real Madrid fans, I can't wait to see you, get to know you and play for you. I'm so excited, really happy to be here, and I can't wait to get on court and get started. Hala Madrid!”.