Soccer is a sport that revolves around one core value: respect. Sure, most of the time, players are getting into heated debates and especially in derbies, these can oftentimes end up in scraps. However, at the end of it all, the players shake hands (managers, maybe not so much. Yes, I'm looking at you, Conte and Tuchel).
This weekend saw the final Manchester derby that Kevin De Bruyne will ever play in. The Belgian midfielder has caused fear in Man United fans for as long as he has donned the Sky Blue jersey, so frankly, Old Trafford will be glad to see the back of him. Where he ends up next remains to be seen, but Man United fans can only hope it's not in the Premier League.
Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes hug after the Manchester derby
However, despite being tormented endlessly by Kevin De Bruyne, there is now a level of respect by the Man United fans. This sentiment was indeed echoed by the Old Trafford captain Bruno Fernandes, as the two midfielders who have dictated this derby in recent history embraced each other after the final whistle.
A video which was posted to the Soccer Subreddit caused a conversation among general fans. The video featured Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes hugging it out after the most recent Manchester derby. The two players were smiling and had plenty to say to one another.
After the match, Bruno Fernandes extended the respect by making a claim that not many would expect him to make. He praised Kevin De Bruyne for making the Premier League "better" and claimed that the gap in quality between City and United in recent history is due to Kevin De Bruyne.
In his own words, Fernandes said: “Kevin De Bruyne made the Premier League better. If Man City is where they are and Manchester United hasn't won as many trophies in this period, it's also because of Kevin De Bruyne. He deserves all the credit, he's done fantastic”
Those old-fashioned fans among us won't like this exchange of respect, especially at this level. While respect has always been a thing in this sport, very rarely in the past did you see players from rival teams hugging after what is supposed to be one of the biggest rivalries in the world.
However, do not get it twisted, I am not complaining. There is nothing wrong with Bruno's actions and if anything, he did everything right by showing some respect to one of the best midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.
Granted, it would have been a different reaction if the result was different but again, that is just soccer. Happy retirement, KDB, and please do not torment us again.