Bruno Fernandes has expressed his commitment to Manchester United, but only if the club shows him the appreciation he desires. The captain surprisingly revealed that he would consider three other destinations, notably excluding a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
The 31-year-old Portuguese star voiced his disappointment earlier this week, claiming that the club had intended to sell him last summer. These comments, coupled with significant interest from Saudi Arabia, have reignited rumours about his future at Old Trafford.
Fernandes' recent statements will undoubtedly fan these flames further, as he admitted he would be open to transfers to Spain, Italy and Portugal. However, he emphasised that his first choice is to stay at United, provided they demonstrate their affection for him.
In a candid interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, Fernandes stated: "I want to stay at Manchester United as long as I feel desired."
He also disclosed his thoughts on life post-United, identifying his preferred future destinations. "I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy. I have many connections to Italy. My daughter was born there.
"I've already thought about returning to Portugal. The first option would be Sporting. To be happy, like it was with Sporting but I don't want to ruin the image that was left. I don't want to drag myself there, I want to add to it.
"And even try district football, at an advanced age. You play in the district for love, you feel different. I have friends in the district."
Fernandes has been strongly linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia. During the summer, Fernandes was pursued by Al-Hilal but chose to turn down the offer and remain at Old Trafford.
Al-Hilal were reportedly prepared to offer Fernandes an eye-watering £700,000 per week, a package that would have earned him nearly £200million across three years. He has also maintained regular contact with Ronaldo and been connected with his side, Al-Nassr.
Despite the enormous wealth available in the Middle East, the United star clearly finds the attraction of elite European football more compelling.
The Portuguese midfielder has once again been United's outstanding performer this season and netted a spectacular free-kick in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday evening. Although Fernandes has played a crucial part in the team's development under Amorim, he criticised the club he has called home for the past five years.
"Nowadays, the issue of loyalty is no longer seen the way it used to be," he said. "I could have left in the last transfer window and would have earned a lot more money. Financially, it would have been much better for me.
"At one point I was going to leave – I won't say where – but I would have won many trophies that season. I decided to stay not only for family reasons but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the coach also made me stay.
"But from the club's side, I felt a bit of: 'If you go, it's not really that bad for us.' That hurts me a little. More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I'm a player they have nothing to criticise me for. I'm always available for every match, I always play, whether well or badly. I give my maximum.
"Then you look around you and see players who don't value the club as much as you do and who don't defend the club as much. That makes you sad."
However, Fernandes' comments are at odds with United's position, as the club insists they reassured him over the summer that he was crucial to their plans and not on the market.