Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes the club wanted him gone in the summer.
The Red Devils superstar turned down a £700,000-a-week offer from Al Hilal earlier this year to stay at Old Trafford.
Fernandes was on the scoresheet for United in a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night
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Fernandes was on the scoresheet for United in a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday nightCredit: Getty
The Saudi Pro League side were ready to pay more than £80million for the 31-year-old in one of three direct approaches from PIF-owned clubs.
While United manager Ruben Amorim was desperate for his talisman to stay, Fernandes has now claimed club chiefs wanted to cash in.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Canal 11, in a bombshell interview that surfaced on Tuesday, he said: "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.
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"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."
talkSPORT understands Fernandes was also keen to stay in Europe ahead of what could be his last appearance at the World Cup.
Fernandes' agent Miguel Pinho flew to Saudi for a week of meetings over his client's future during the summer
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Fernandes' agent Miguel Pinho flew to Saudi for a week of meetings over his client's future during the summerCredit: Twitter / @FabrizioRomano
However, he remains open to a Saudi move next summer, meaning this could yet be his last season at United after five years at the club.
Fernandes will enter the final year of his contract in July 2026.
The midfield added: "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."
Fernandes proves his worth yet again
The Portugal international has arguably been United's best player this season, scoring four goals and providing six assists in the Premier League.
He scored a stunning free-kick in the dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night.
Footage from full-time shows a desolate Fernandes raging at his teammates after United threw away the lead three times.
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It is not clear whether or not the interview with Portuguese media was conducted last night.
Since joining United in 2020, Fernandes has scored 103 goals and provided 93 assists in 307 appearances for the club.