Bruno Fernandes was given the chance to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer, but the Manchester United playmaker ultimately decided to remain at Old Trafford
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has finally spoken out after turning down a lucrative transfer to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Fernandes gave serious thought to joining Al-Hilal this summer, with his agent Miguel Pinho in discussions with the Middle Eastern club over a potential £100million deal, and Manchester United not ruling out his sale.
However, on Tuesday, it emerged that Fernandes had decided against the move to Al-Hilal after consulting with his family. Now, while on international duty, the United star has shared his thoughts on the decision.
“There was an opportunity,” he revealed during Portugal’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening.
“The president called me and asked if I wanted to go there.
“They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach [Ruben] Amorim. He asked me not to go.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.”
He continued: “Al Hilal were very kind. They spoke to my agent. Then I spoke to my wife. She asked: ‘What do you want to do?’ She always supports my decisions.
“It would have been easy to move there. I know the Portuguese players there very well. But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles.
“I can do that, and I still want to. I’m very passionate about football.”
Since his move from Sporting in January 2020, Fernandes has netted 98 goals and set up 86 more for the Reds across all competitions. His existing deal with United is due to run out in June 2027.
