Bruno Fernandes has revealed he turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia to continue chasing success with Manchester United.
The United captain is set to make his 300th appearance for the club in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Despite his personal success, United have endured a difficult period during Fernandes’ time at the club. Last season, they finished 15th — their worst top-flight standing since the 1973–74 campaign — and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, missing out on Champions League qualification.
During the summer, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal reportedly tried to tempt Fernandes with a big-money move, but he rejected the offer, insisting he still has “unfinished business” with the 20-time English champions, who last won the Premier League in 2013.
“We always say we have offers from Saudi because, wherever I go, my family must come too,” Fernandes said, referring to his wife Ana. “The first thing she asked me was: ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted at this club?’ Because she knows I haven’t.”
Known for his passionate — and sometimes fiery — demeanor on the pitch, Fernandes has faced criticism for his emotional reactions toward teammates. But United manager Ruben Amorim believes that intensity comes from his deep desire to win major trophies like the Premier League and Champions League.
“The manager spoke with me,” Fernandes said. “He told me I was still part of the project and wanted me to stay. The club said the same.”
“I’ve always said if the club told me, ‘Bruno, we want to cash in or you’re not part of the future,’ I would find the best solution for me and my family and leave. But that wasn’t the case. I still feel part of the plan and believe I can help the club reach its goals.”
Fernandes is under contract until 2027, with the option of an additional year. The 31-year-old says he won’t make any decisions or hold talks about his future until after next year’s World Cup.
“As I’ve always said, I feel good here,” he added. “I still want to achieve my dreams. I’ve seen a lot of rumours about an agreement for next season, but if the club made one, it wasn’t with me. My agent knows I won’t talk to anyone until after the World Cup.”
