Rio Ferdinand responds to Bruno Fernandes snubbing £300m offer – 'Are you mad?'
Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Bruno Fernandes for rejecting the eye-watering sums on offer from the Saudi Pro League – whilst also questioning whether the star is "mad" for turning it down. The Manchester United captain was the subject of a failed approach from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal earlier this summer.
Reports claimed that the club were armed with a £300million package to secure the star, with £100m heading to United and a remarkable £200m contract awaiting Fernandes himself.
Ferdinand, whilst commending the Portuguese midfielder for his loyalty to United, couldn't resist sharing his amazement at the 30-year-old spurning the Saudi club's fortunes.
When quizzed about what he would do when faced with such riches on his podcast, Rio Presents, the former United defender said: "I'm gone," prompting laughter from podcast colleagues Stephen Howson and Flex.
Ferdinand then explained: "If I'm 25, I'm not [heading to Saudi Arabia]. Don't forget, in our era, China was about – I wouldn't have gone."
Discussing the contrast between the appeal of the Saudi Pro League compared to the former influence once wielded by the Chinese Super League, he added: "In money terms, back then it [Chinese Super League] was [as persuasive as Saudi Arabia]. It's not in terms of location, but it wouldn't have even turned my head going [to] China.
"But I'm sitting here now, my career is finished, and you look at things differently, and you're turning away £50m a year – I'm offski bruv, get me a lifejacket and I'm swimming there," he joked.
When asked about his opinion on Fernades for rejecting the lucrative offer, Ferdinand responded: "I rate him, but are you mad?
"I respect it so much and the fans will love him more. He's looking at legacy. We know that this guy [Fernandes] is now about legacy [and not the money]."
Earlier in the summer, Ferdinand reiterated his sentiments, stating he would have understood if Fernandes had chosen to leave United.
"I think he's in the game of wanting to give back after all he's received," Ferdinand said to Mirror Football. "So I've got nothing but respect for him. I would have understood him leaving if he left, 100%. If I was him, I think I'd have found it difficult to say no. I've got to be honest."
During a press conference for his national team in early June, Fernandes disclosed that he rejected Al-Hilal's incredible offer after discussions with United manager Ruben Amorim.
"It would have been easy to move there [Al Hilal]. I know the Portuguese players there very well," he admitted. "But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles. I can do that, and I still want to. I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go."
Following United's loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Fernandes was candid about his future with the club. He stated that he would leave the decision regarding his future to United officials, with the club considering selling several of their star players this summer after a disappointing season.
"I have always been honest. I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go," he said (via the Manchester Evening News).
The 30 year old has been a key player for United, scoring 98 goals and providing 87 assists in 290 matches across all competitions since his transfer from Sporting CP in January 2020.
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