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Cape Town - Manchester United midfielder Fred has revealed that he watched English football growing up as he settles into life in the United Kingdom.
The Brazil international joined the Red Devils from Shakhtar Donetsk on a five-year contract this season.
He has already featured in five Premier League matches as well as in the Champions League and EFL Cup - scoring once in the league.
Speaking to the club's website in an official interview, the 25-year-old gave a fascinating insight into his new life in Manchester.
He said: "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."
Fred spoke of his life growing up in Brazil and how the support of his family helped him become a professional footballer.
"I was really happy during my childhood in the area where I grew up. I had many friends in the neighbourhood, always playing football in the streets.
"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."
