Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes expressed his disappointment and sadness over the club’s willingness to let him leave for Saudi Arabia. Fernandes revealed to Canal 11, a channel run by Portugal’s soccer federation, that the club was open to his transfer to Al-Hilal after the previous season.
Al-Hilal, a club in Riyadh largely owned by the Public Investment Fund, reportedly offered Man United a transfer fee of £100 million ($134 million). “From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts me a bit. More than hurting me, it makes me sad,” Fernandes said.
Fernandes, who has 18 months left on his contract, has been one of the few standout players at Old Trafford over his six years there.
“The club wanted me to leave.
I told the directors that, I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me,” he said, citing his support from coach Ruben Amorim.
Why He Didn’t Leave?
Despite the potential to win many trophies this season, Fernandes decided to stay, citing his love for the club and family reasons.
“I would have won many trophies this season but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club,” Fernandes said.
However, the 31-year-old playmaker did not completely rule out the possibility of playing in the Saudi Pro League in the future.
“If I ever go to play in Saudi Arabia I will, it won’t be for the money,” Fernandes said, “I’ll go because the lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will be sunny, after six years of cold and rain in Manchester, because I’ll be playing in a league that’s growing.”
Currently, Man United is sixth in the Premier League after Fernandes scored in a 4-4 draw at home against Bournemouth on Monday. Al-Hilal is second in the Saudi league, trailing four points behind city rival Al-Nassr, where Fernandes’ Portugal teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix play.
(With inputs from Agencies)
