‘I want to stay at the highest level’ – Bruno Fernandes opens up on decision to turn down Al Hilal and stay at Man Utd | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United and boss Ruben Amorim were keen to keep him at the club despite the huge transfer fee on offer from Al Hilal.

The United skipper was the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League side but has opted to stay at Old Trafford despite the significant contract offer on the table.

And Fernandes has now opened up on that decision, speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s Nations League game against Germany.

“There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask,” he said.

“There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.

“I spoke with Ruben Amorim, who tried to talk me out of it. I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave. We never talked about money; that was all handled by my agent, not me.

“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future. It was actually my wife who asked me, I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.

“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with. But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable.

“I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.”

Speaking on United’s post-season tour in Asia, Amorin had stressed his desire to keep the Portugal international at the club this summer.

“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if he thought Fernandes was going to leave.

“He’s seeing us take some action to change things and I think he wants to stay.

“He’s saying no to a lot of things but he chose that he wants to win. He’s really young, he’s really good, and he needs to be in the best league in the world.”

Asked if Manchester United would be able to turn down a huge offer from Al Hilal for Fernandes, Amorim added: “Yes, we can find another way to get money.”