Bruno Fernandes looked certain to leave Manchester United for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in a lucrative £100million move that would have pocketed him around £700,000-a-week, before he snubbed the transfer
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has clarified his decision to reject a move to Saudi Arabia
News
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence on his decision to reject Al-Hilal, insisting he wanted to remain "at the highest level" despite receiving an "ambitious" proposal" from the Saudi outfit. Fernandes looked certain to leave amid reports Al-Hilal were ready to pay a £300million package - £100m for United and a £200m contract for the Portuguese playmaker.
But after Fernandes opted to reject the move - which would have pocketed him around £700,000-a-week, he has now spoken out to clarify his decision.
"I will answer and I asked that you not ask me any more about it,' Fernandes said. "There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it. There was a waiting period for me to think about the future.
"As I have always said, I would be willing to do it if Manchester United thought so.
"I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim who, throughout that period, was very annoying to me not to go. The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave.
"It was a very ambitious proposal. The president was a fantastic person, we never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent of course. Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.
"It was an easy move, even at a family level... I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions. and I feel capable of it."
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
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