Bruno Fernandes said he rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in order to continue his project with Manchester United, citing family values, personal ambition and a sense of responsibility to the club.
The United captain had attracted interest from Al Hilal, with reports indicating the Saudi Pro League side were ready to make a substantial financial offer at the end of last season.
Club officials were open to a potential transfer, but Fernandes opted to remain at Old Trafford after discussions with his family.
“I felt I still had something to give to the club,” Fernandes said in an interview reported by BBC Sport.
The midfielder acknowledged the financial scale of the offer but said his decision was not driven by money.
“There was a lot involved financially, but that is not the most important thing for us,” he said. “We want to achieve our goals, live well as a family and focus on success rather than just earnings.”
Fernandes said conversations at home played a key role in shaping his decision, particularly when reflecting on his long term ambitions.
“My wife asked me if I had achieved everything I wanted in football, and that made me think clearly,” he added.
United endured a difficult campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League, their lowest position in decades. Fernandes said leaving at that stage was not an option.
“I did not want to walk away when the club was going through a tough period,” he said.
Since joining from Sporting CP in 2020, Fernandes has scored 106 goals in 322 appearances and helped United win the FA Cup and League Cup.
However, the 31-year-old said his main objectives remain unfulfilled.
“I want to win the Premier League and the Champions League,” he said.
With one year remaining on his contract and the club adjusting its wage structure under co owner Jim Ratcliffe, Fernandes’ long term future remains uncertain, but his immediate focus is on restoring United’s competitiveness at the top level.
