Bruno Fernandes has spoken out about the links between himself and a move to Saudi Arabia over the past summer transfer window, when his Manchester United future was uncertain.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after teammate Matheus Cunha (not pictured) scores his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth
Bruno Fernandes has spoken out about his potential exit from Manchester United over the summer
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has claimed that the club wanted him to leave in the summer transfer window, amid links with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
There were reports of a concrete move made by Al-Hilal for a big fee, but the move never went through, as the side kept hold of their chief playmaker.
Speaking to Maisfutebol, he said on life at Manchester United, and those exit links: "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.
“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.
“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.
“I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘if you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts me a lot.
"More than hurting, it makes me sad because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise about. I’m always available, I always play, good or bad. I give my all. Then you see things around you, players who don’t value the club as much and don’t defend the club as much… that makes you sad.”
It's a surprising claim from the club captain, who has been among those frustrated by Man United's lack of competitiveness in recent seasons. A move to Saudi Arabia could've brought an end to his stay at Old Trafford, which will hit the five-year mark over the next few weeks.
Fernandes revealed he had prior links to Al-Hilal, the club who were most heavily rumoured with a move, before he turned them down. On the switch, he said: "The president of Al Hilal spoke to me. He called me directly. [Joao] Neves sent me a message saying he wanted to talk to me.
"They wanted him to play in the Club World Cup with Al Hilal. It was a love that started back in the Jorge Jesus days, he had already called me in 2023."
There will be more to follow. We'll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.
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