BRUNO FERNANDES has broken his silence on his decision to snub a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in favour of remaining at Manchester United.
The Red Devils captain has turned down the chance to more than triple his wages after he was approached by Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal about a summer switch.
Fernandes, 30, has now revealed that he rejected the move following a call from the Al Hilal president and a chat with United boss Ruben Amorim.
Speaking in his press conference while on International duty with Portugal, he said: “There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask
“There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.
“I spoke with Mister Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.
“We never talked about money; that was all handled by my agent, not me.
“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future. It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.
“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with.
“But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable. I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.”
Fernandes had been given a one week deadline by Saudi officials to mull over a three-year tax-free contract worth £200million.
The Portuguese playmaker is thought to be keen to remain at the top level in Europe and doesn’t see Al Hilal as the right move for his career.
Fernandes has been Man Utd’s standout performer in a season that has seen the club endure one of the worst campaigns in their history – culminating in Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Fernandes’ current terms at Old Trafford run until the summer of 2027.
Following that European embarrassment, Fernandes said: “I have always been honest. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.
“I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.
“In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.
“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”
Man Utd have already begun their transfer business in a bid to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.
Alongside keeping hold of star man Fernandes, United announced on Sunday that they have completed the signing of Wolves attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha.
The Old Trafford outfit have agreed to pay a £62.5m fee for the Brazilian, 26, who will put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
While Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo looks set to become the next new arrival for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Mbeumo, 25, has reportedly decided that he wants to join United over the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham – who are also thought to be keen on the Cameroonian.
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