Had a mega offer from Saudi Arabia
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Bruno Fernandes no longer felt wanted or sufficiently valued at Manchester United last summer. According to the 31-year-old offensive player’s feeling, the Red Devils would have easily let him go – which obviously hurt the Portuguese. In June, Fernandes rejected a mega offer from Saudi Arabia. According to reports at the time, Al-Hilal is said to have offered him a total package of around 240 million euros for three years.
Lately he has had the feeling that he is a bit on the rocks, the professional revealed on the program “Soltinhos pelo Mundo” on “Canal 11”. “Because in England a player comes in at 30 and you think he has to reinvent himself. Loyalty is not valued as much as it used to be. I could have moved this season, I would have earned a lot more money. A season ago I wanted to move, I would have won a lot of trophies this season, but I decided not to leave, not just for family reasons, but because I really like the club,” explained Fernandes.
The right-footer has been on the ball for Man United since January 2020, when he came from Sporting Lisbon for 65 million euros – and has delivered 103 goals and 93 assists in 307 games since his arrival, putting him in the top 20 of the club’s most successful goalscorers. “I had the feeling from the club: ‘If you leave, it won’t be so bad for us.’ That hurts me a little. (…) I am a player who cannot be blamed, I am always available, I always give my best.”
Fernandes, whose contract in Manchester runs until 2027, said of the specific interest from the Saudi Pro League: “I’m not thinking about the money, financially I can’t complain, although the difference with Saudi Arabia is huge. If I ever go to Saudi Arabia, it will not be for financial reasons, but because my lifestyle will change, because my children can enjoy a life full of sunshine after six years of cold and rain in Manchester and because I will play in an up-and-coming league.” There came a point where money became more important to Man United than him. “The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the coach (Rúben Amorim; ed.) wanted me. But if I had said that I wanted to leave, the club would have let me go, even if the coach wanted me to stay,” said Fernandes.
Fernandes decided against Saudi transfer – contradicting old statements
At Al-Hilal, the 85-time Portugal international would have had to deal with two compatriots. He also sought opinions from elsewhere. “Cristiano Ronaldo advised me, we talked about Saudi Arabia, (…) but the decision was always mine. The move would have been easy because Rúben Neves and Cancelo are there with their children, who know mine,” Fernandes gave insight into his thoughts.
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent at the Telegraph, classified the professional’s statements for the British daily newspaper and wrote: “The words of the current captain of Manchester United are (…) shocking. And untimely.” Fernandes’ criticism couldn’t be more devastating. The Portuguese is also said to have suggested in the explosive interview that other players would not value Man United as a club as much as he does. In addition, Fernandes’ statements are said to not fit with an interview from October in which he is said to have said that the club management would continue to see him as part of the plans. “It looks like Fernandes has driven a wedge between himself and those responsible at United,” said journalist Burt. “You may claim to take his words calmly, but such situations usually only end in one way: it would be no surprise if Fernandes was shown the door by United next summer.”
