Paulo Bernardo and Fabio Silva have been separated since childhood with each coming through opposing academies in Portugal.
Bernardo emerged from Benfica, while Silva graduated from Porto’s academy.
This afternoon, they’ll clash in the Glasgow derby, representing Celtic and Rangers, respectively.
Ahead of the match, the Portuguese midfielder delved into their long-standing rivalry.
Bernardo said: [Daily Record], “We have known each other since Under-14 football. He played for Porto, the rivals of Benfica where I began, then he came to Benfica for two seasons. He then went back to Porto and we became rivals again – but we still played together for the national youth teams all the way through the age groups. So we have known each other for quite a long time now.
“He is doing well. Just for this game, though, I hope he can take his foot off the pedal! Fabio is fast and strong. He presses a lot. Technically he is a good player and he finishes well. So we have to take care of him when we face him in the derby.”
Despite scoring in the reverse fixture, Bernardo finds himself on the bench this morning, while Silva starts for Rangers.
The Portuguese midfielder will have to await his chance to face off against Silva from the sidelines, as Celtic take on Rangers in the Hoops’ most important game of the season to date.
Despite not starting the game, Bernardo may very well have a significant impact off the bench, having scored against Rangers in December, and last weekend against Livingston.
