Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes revealed that the Red Devils’ management welcomed his departure from Old Trafford last summer and his move to the Saudi league, a decision that still pains him.
Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia were keen to sign the Portuguese star and had already allocated €100 million to complete the deal, before Bruno decided to reject the offer and stay with Manchester United for at least another year.
In an interview with the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Bruno spoke about this period, saying, “I could have left during that transfer window, and I would have earned much more money. I would have left a season earlier, and I would have won many titles this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I truly love the club.”
He added, “I felt like the management didn’t mind me leaving, as if they were telling me that my departure wasn’t so bad. This hurts a little, and more than that, it truly saddens me. I’m always available and I give my best for Manchester United.”
He continued, “I don’t see it as a financial issue. Financially, I can’t complain, even though the difference with Saudi Arabia is huge.”
He concluded, “I have the same passion and love for the club, but we reached a point where money was more important to them than me! The club wanted me to leave, I told the management that, and I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager insisted on me staying.”
Fernandes is considered one of United’s most prominent players in recent years, having scored 103 goals and provided 93 assists in 307 appearances for the English club. His contract at Old Trafford runs until the summer of 2027 with an option to extend for another year.
