Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has delivered a bombshell revelation about his future, stating he would like to play in Spain or Italy if he ever departs Old Trafford. The Portuguese midfielder made the comments in a candid interview, while also expressing hurt over the club's willingness to sell him last summer.
Fernandes' Future Ambitions and Summer Exit Drama
In the second part of an explosive interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, the 30-year-old outlined his preferred destinations should his time at Manchester United come to an end. Fernandes sensationally claimed that United's hierarchy wanted him to leave for Saudi Arabia during the last transfer window, an admission that left him feeling deeply wounded.
The United skipper insisted he wishes to remain at the club "as long as I am wanted", but named La Liga and Serie A as leagues he would like to experience. "I'd like to experience the Spanish league and fight for major titles in Italy," Fernandes stated. "I have strong ties to Italy; my daughter was born there."
A Strained Relationship with United's Hierarchy
Fernandes elaborated on the painful episode from last summer, accusing the club of lacking the "courage" to sell him despite their apparent openness to his departure. "Manchester United wanted me to leave, I have that in my head," he revealed. "I think they didn't have the courage because Ruben Amorim wanted me here, but from the club's side I felt that if I left, it wouldn't be so bad."
The midfielder, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth up to £68 million in January 2020, was the subject of a massive offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The Saudi club tabled a bid in the region of £100 million to United, alongside a staggering personal contract offer reported to be worth a basic £700,000 per week.
"I could have left in the last transfer window and I would have earned much more money," Fernandes admitted. "I was going to leave a season ago - I won't say where - but I would have won many trophies that season. I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely love the club."
Loyalty, Legacy, and a Potential Return to Portugal
Fernandes voiced his sadness that loyalty is no longer valued as it once was in football. His conversation with manager Erik ten Hag was a key factor in his decision to stay, but he felt the club's stance was ambivalent. "From the club's side, I felt a bit like, 'if you leave, it's not so bad for us.' It hurts me a bit. More than hurting, it makes me sad," he confessed.
The interview also touched on a potential future return to his native Portugal, specifically to his former club Sporting CP. "I've thought about returning to Portugal. Going back to where you were once happy can tarnish the image you have left," he explained. "Out of affection and respect, my first choice would be Sporting. If I were to be happy, it would be with Sporting. But I don't want to spoil the image I have."
Fernandes began his senior career in Italy with spells at Novara, Udinese, and Sampdoria before moving back to Portugal. He also revealed an intriguing long-term ambition to play district league football for love, stating: "You play in the district league for love, it feels different. I have friends in the district league."
This frank interview places a new spotlight on the relationship between Manchester United's captain and the club's decision-makers, raising significant questions about his long-term future at Old Trafford as the summer transfer window approaches.
