I met my wife because Premier League manager kept sticking me on the bench

JULEN LOPETEGUI was almost named Sergio Oliveira's best man after benching him while at former side Porto.

The midfielder has claimed that being benched by the Spaniard turned out to be the "best thing" ever as it allowed him to meet his wife.

Oliveira married Christiana Pereira in 2019 after meeting while he was out of the Portuguese outfit's side.

The 30-year-old only featured three times while Lopetegui was manager of the club.

But it turns out he's very grateful - and almost gave the boss an important role at his wedding.

In an Instagram Q&A, Oliveira wrote: "I met my wife at Estadio do Dragao.

"Thanks to Lopetegui who always left me on the bench. Best thing ever. 

"I was close to inviting him to be the best man at the wedding."

The midfielder has since made the move to Turkey and is playing for Galatasaray.

Lopetegui left Porto in 2016 after a year and a half in charge.

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He went on to manage Spain as well as Real Madrid and Sevilla before joining his current club Wolves this season.

However, his tenure as Spain's boss ended on a sour note as he was sacked just one day before the 2018 World Cup in Russia after it was announced he would take over at Madrid following the tournament.