Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes broke his silence about his decision to reject Al-Hilal, insisting that he wanted to stay “at the highest level”, despite receiving an “ambitious” proposal from the Saudi outfit. Fernandes was sure to leave United in the midst of reports Al -Hilal was ready to pay a package of £ 300 million – £ 100 million for United and a £ 200 million contract for the Portuguese playmaker.
But after United's club captain chose to reject the move, he has now expressed himself to clarify his decision.
“I will answer and I asked you no longer ask me,” said Fernandes. “There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it. There was a waiting time for me to think about the future.
“Like I always said, I would be willing to do it as Manchester United that thought. I spoke with coach Ruben Amorim who was very annoying during that period. The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave.”
Fernandes also admitted that the range of Al-Hilal was “very ambitious” and said that it would have been an “easy” movement given his friendship with Countryman Joao Annulso, who is already at the club.
But he said he still feels that he can have an impact in Europe by playing in the greatest competitions at the highest level.
“It was a very ambitious proposal,” he added. “The president was a fantastic person, we never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent of course. Then I spoke with my wife and family and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.
“It was an easy move, even at family level … I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, play in the big competitions. And I feel capable of.”
Fernandes' claim that he wants to play at the highest level can mean that Fernandes still wants to leave the club for another side in Europe, after the team became 15th in what their worst season ever was in the Premier League.
The playmaker played for United in their tour after the season in Asia, but boss Ruben Amorim – who maintained that he does not want to lose his skipper – does not think he played his last game for the club.
“I don't think so,” he said. “I don't know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He says no to many things. The club can find other ways to make money. The feeling that I get is sure he wants to continue with Man United, you never know.”
United will hope to seduce Fernandes to stay in the transfer window. They have already announced the arrival of Wolves star Matheus Cunha and probably seem to bring Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.