MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he is hurt and saddened that some executives at the club were prepared to let him go. Leaving for Saudi Arabia.
In comments published on Tuesday, Fernandes told Canal 11, a channel owned by the Portuguese Football Federation, that the club had told him at the end of last season that they “wanted” me to go to Al Gilal.
Majority club in Riyadh Owned by the Public Investment Fund The Sovereign Wealth Operation has reportedly made a transfer offer of 100 million pounds ($134 million) to Man United.
“I felt from the club, ‘If you go, it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts a little bit. It’s more sad than hurt,” Fernandes said.
He has 18 months left on his contract and was one of the few outstanding players during his six years at Old Trafford.
“The club wanted me to leave. I told the managers so. I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me,” he said, referring to the support of coach Ruben Amorim.
“I could have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons, but because I love the club with all my heart,” Fernandes said.
Still, the 31-year-old playmaker did not rule out the possibility of playing in the Saudi Professional League someday.
“If I ever get to play in Saudi Arabia, I’ll go. It’s not for the money,” Fernandes said. “I’m going because it’s a change of lifestyle and it’s a brighter day for the kids after six years of cold and rain in Manchester. They’ll be playing in a league that’s growing.”
Manchester United move into 6th place in the Premier League thanks to Fernandes’ goal 4-4 Thriller They play at home to Bournemouth on Monday.
Al Hilal are second in the Saudi league, four points behind city rivals Al Nasr, another PIF-owned club, where Fernandes’ Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Félix play.
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