Bruno Fernandes broke his silence on the decision to reject Al-Hilal. He insists he wants to continue playing "at the highest level" despite receiving an " ambitious" offer from the Saudi Arabian team.
The Portuguese midfielder seems to be certain to leave Old Trafford in the context of information that Al-Hilal is willing to offer a total contract worth 300 million pounds. Of which, £100 million for Man United and a £200 million contract for Fernandes personally.
After the Man United captain decided to refuse the offer, he spoke up to clarify this move.
"I will answer and I beg everyone not to ask me more about that. If possible, the President of Al-Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about this. I had a period of time to think about the future.
As I have always said, I will be ready to leave if Manchester United think so. I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim. The club also said they would not sell me unless I wanted to leave," Fernandes said.
Fernandes continued to accept Al-Hilal's offer as "very ambitious". He said it would be an "easy" move because he has a good relationship with compatriot Joao Cancelo, the player currently playing for Al-Hilal.
However, the Portuguese international said he still feels he can make an impact in Europe by playing in the biggest tournaments.
"It's a very ambitious proposal. The President of Al-Hilal is a great person, we have never discussed the initial amount. Of course for my agent. After that, I talked to my wife and family, and she asked me about my personal goals in my career.
It was an easy move, even at the family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children were used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in big tournaments. And I feel I can do that," said the Man United captain.
With Fernandes declaring his desire to play at the highest level, it means he could still join another big player in Europe. The "Red Devils" have just had a terrible Premier League season and have not had a ticket to the European Cup next season.
The Portuguese midfielder could consider leaving if he receives similar treatment from top clubs. However, few teams are willing to pay the 30-year-old midfielder as much salary and transfer fee as Al-Hilal.
Fernandes has been on the tour for Man United's post-season tour in Asia. However, Amorim - who has always affirmed that he does not want to lose his captain - did not think that this was his last match for the club.
"I don't think so. I don't know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to many things. The club can find another way to make money. I feel like he definitely wants to continue at Man United, you never know" - Amorim said.
The Old Trafford team hopes to lure Fernandes to stay by convincing him in the near future. They have announced the arrival of Matheus Cunha and it seems they will continue to recruit Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
