“I know that when you say no to the representative team, sometimes they don’t [select] you any more, but I have just kept doing my job,” Fernando said.
“I said I could not go to the Asian Cup because there were some risks for my wife when she was pregnant. I could not leave her and my family.
“It was a very difficult time, but I think I made a good decision. I love football and I love playing football, but I love my family more.
“The new coach came to talk to me and it was a pleasure to be in the squad. He said I could be useful. I know they want to give more chances to young players … but [Westwood] has a way he wants to play, using the ball more, and I think I can help.”
“What Shinichi is doing is amazing and I am very happy for him,” Fernando said. “When I arrived at Kitchee, he was 15 or 16 and I tried my best to help him grow up. Now, he is a man playing at a high level.
“The standard in the Chinese league is higher than in Hong Kong. It is competitive, with more teams, and they play in the [Asian Champions League] Elite, so it is another level. Having more of our players there is a very good way of growing Hong Kong football.”
“I have never played so soon after a 13-hour flight, but we just have to recover as well as possible and try to play in our best way,” said Fernando, who turns 38 next month.
“My only target is to enjoy the games and help the team. I only ever think about the present; if they trust me and ask me to play again, I will enjoy the future. I will let God decide what happens next.”
Hong Kong star Fernando keen to help young guns after shock recall at age of 37
https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3281654/hong-kong-star-fernando-keen-help-young-guns-after-shock-recall-age-37