The Manchester United captain spoke candidly in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11 as speculation around his future continues to intensify
Bruno Fernandes has revealed he is determined to stay at Manchester United but only if they make him feel wanted. The club skipper, however, sensationally admitted he would be open to three moves elsewhere, with a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo. in Saudi Arabia a notable omission.
The 31-year-old said this week that he was hurt by the club after claiming they ‘wanted’ to sell him back in the summer. The comments from the Portuguese star, who had attracted serious interest from Saudi Arabia, have sparked fresh speculation around his future at the club.
And Fernandes’ telling remarks on Wednesday evening will no doubt stoke the flames even more, admitting that he would be open to moves to Spain, Italy and Portugal.
However, he made it clear that his priority is to remain at United, but only on the condition that they show him love. In an open interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, Fernandes said of his future: “I want to stay at Manchester United as long as I feel desired.”
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He then went on to reveal that he has thought about life after United, naming his preferred next destinations. “I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy. I have many connections to Italy. My daughter was born there.
“I’ve already thought about returning to Portugal. The first option would be Sporting. To be happy, like it was with Sporting but I don’t want to ruin the image that was left. I don’t want to drag myself there, I want to add to it.
“And even try district football, at an advanced age. You play in the district for love, you feel different. I have friends in the district.”
The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. In the summer, Fernandes was courted by Al-Hilal but decided to reject the deal and stay at Old Trafford.
Al-Hilal were said to have offered Fernandes a staggering £700,000 per week, a deal that would have netted him close to £200 million over three years. He has also remained in close touch with Ronaldo and been linked with his team, Al-Nassr.
Despite the riches on offer in the Middle East, the United star clearly finds the appeal of top-flight European football more appealing.
The Portuguese playmaker has once again been United’s standout player this season and scored a remarkable free-kick in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night. Despite Fernandes playing a key role in the team’s progression under Amorim, he hit out at the club he has called home for the past five years.
“Nowadays, the issue of loyalty is no longer seen the way it used to be,” he said. “I could have left in the last transfer window and would have earned a lot more money. Financially, it would have been much better for me.
“At one point I was going to leave – I won’t say where – but I would have won many trophies that season. I decided to stay not only for family reasons but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the coach also made me stay.
“But from the club’s side, I felt a bit of: ‘If you go, it’s not really that bad for us.’ That hurts me a little. More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise me for. I’m always available for every match, I always play, whether well or badly. I give my maximum.
“ Then you look around you and see players who don’t value the club as much as you do and who don’t defend the club as much. That makes you sad.”
However, Fernandes’ remarks stand in stark contrast to United’s stance, with the club maintaining that they had assured Fernandes over the summer he was integral to their plans and not for sale.
Fernandes is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027, and the club have the option to extend it for a further year. He has scored a staggering 103 goals and registered 93 assists in his 307 games over the course of his near-six-year stint at United.
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