Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has delivered a stunning revelation, stating he would consider moves to Spain or Italy if he ever leaves Old Trafford, while also claiming the club's hierarchy wanted him sold last summer.
"More than hurt" by United's stance
In a candid and explosive interview with Portuguese outlet Canal 11, the 31-year-old midfielder expressed feeling "more than hurt" by the perception that United would have been content to see him depart. Fernandes sensationally alleged that the club lacked the "courage" to actively sell him, despite believing a sale would not have been detrimental to them.
"I think they didn't have the courage because [manager] Ruben Amorim wanted me here, but from the club I felt that if I left, it wouldn't be so bad," Fernandes stated. He confirmed that Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia had made a bid of around £100 million for him, which United did not reject. The player was reportedly offered a life-changing contract worth a basic salary of £700,000 per week.
Future destinations: La Liga and Serie A
While insisting his desire is to stay at Manchester United "as long as they want me," Fernandes openly discussed his future ambitions. He pinpointed Spain and Italy as the leagues he would like to experience before his career ends.
"I would like to have the experience of the Spanish league and fight for important titles in Italy," he said. "I have strong ties to Italy; my daughter was born there." Fernandes began his professional career in Italy, playing for Novara, Udinese, and Sampdoria before returning to Portugal.
The Portuguese superstar also revealed a potential emotional return to Sporting Lisbon, the club he left for United in a £68 million deal in January 2020. However, he expressed caution about tarnishing the legacy he left behind. "My first option would be Sporting... But I don't want to spoil the image I have," Fernandes explained.
Loyalty questioned and family reasons
Fernandes lamented that the concept of loyalty in football is not viewed as it once was. He claimed he could have earned significantly more money and won trophies elsewhere last season but chose to remain at United out of genuine love for the club and for family reasons.
"The issue of loyalty is no longer seen the same way as before," he remarked. He detailed conversations with CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox during the club's post-season tour to Malaysia in May, where he was told the club wanted him to stay but would not stand in his way for a major offer.
Ultimately, after speaking with Al-Hilal's president and his own agent, Miguel Pinho, Fernandes decided to reject the monumental Saudi offer. He cited conversations with Amorim and his own attachment to United as decisive factors, despite the painful feeling that the club's stance was ambivalent.
