Fernandes opens up on decision to snub Saudi move
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has opened up on his decision to turn down a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal made an approach to sign Fernandes with the Saudi side offering the midfielder a lucrative contract. Fernandes was targeted as a marquee arrival ahead of this summer's Club World Cup, with Al-Hilal prepared to offer a fee in the region of £100m for the Portugal international.
The 30-year-old rejected the move, however, insisting he wants to continue playing at the 'highest level'. Fernandes scored 19 goals and provided 20 assists despite a difficult campaign for Manchester United, who missed out on European qualification.
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The midfielder has now opened up on his decision to reject the move, insisting that football factors outweighed the financial reward. He admitted it would have been 'easy' to join Al-Hilal, given the lucrative proposal and presence of Portugal teammates Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves at the club.
'There was an opportunity,' Fernandes said at a Portugal press conference ahead of their Nations League semi-final with Germany on Wednesday.
'The [Al-Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach [Ruben] Amorim. He asked me not to go.
'Manchester United didn't want to sell me. They don't need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.
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'It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had João 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, playing in the big competitions and I feel capable of it.'
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