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Bruno Fernandes has spoken out on reports linking him with a switch to Saudi Arabia while claiming United effectively wanted him to leave last summer.
Fernandes was previously of interest to Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad last summer but turned down a lucrative offer in favour of staying at United, according to BBC Sport.
The Portugal international, who is contracted to the Red Devils until the summer of 2027, remains the captain of the club as well as a key player and registered a goal and assist in last night’s (December 15) 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Fernandes spoke to Canal 11 about his future at United several weeks ago with the interview coming to light after the draw.
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The player claimed that he felt the club were fine with him leaving for Saudi Arabia last summer, but he chose to stay at Old Trafford for “family reasons”.
The midfielder admitted that the club’s stance on the proposed transfer “hurt” him as he is “always available” to play before he then suggested that not all players have the same attitude and “value” towards United.
The 31-year-old, who joined United from Sporting CP in 2020, then revealed that he did, in fact, entertain interest from Al Hilal last summer, speaking to the club’s president.
Fernandes’ Portugal teammates Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo currently play for the Saudi club, as well as several other former Premier League players, including ex-Liverpool man Darwin Nunez.
"The person who spoke to me was the president of Al Hilal, who called me directly,” Fernandes said.
“Rúben Neves sent me a message saying he wanted to talk to me. They wanted me to play in the Club World Cup with Al Hilal.
“I can’t complain, I’m very well paid, but obviously the difference is huge. That was never what guided me. If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I’ll play in Saudi Arabia.”
Fernandes is reportedly valued at around £70 million by United, which is £15 million more than what the club paid for him five years ago.
“My lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will be sunny, after six years in Manchester with cold and rain, I’ll be playing in a growing league, with recognised players,” the United captain continued.
“I could have left like many people do and said: ‘I want to leave, I don’t want to train, I just want to leave for €20m or €30m, so they pay me more on the other side.’ But I never did that. I never felt in a position to do that, because I felt that the empathy and affection I had for the club were the same.
“But there comes a point where, for them, money is more important than anything. The club wanted me to go; I have that in my head. I told the directors this, but I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision.”
Fernandes has registered 103 goals and 93 assists in 307 appearances for United, helping the side win the FA Cup and League Cup during his time in Manchester.
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Saudi Arabia, Football, Premier League
Luke Davies