Bruno Fernandes has opened up on his decision to reject a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, explaining that family values, personal ambition, and commitment to Manchester United influenced his choice to stay.
Following a difficult campaign in which United finished 15th — their lowest league position since the 1973–74 season — the club reportedly informed the captain he would be free to leave if he wished. Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal had shown strong interest and were ready to table a substantial offer for the midfielder.
Despite the financial incentives, Fernandes opted to remain at Old Trafford after discussions with his family, describing the decision as one shaped by deeper considerations beyond money.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney show, as reported by BBC Sport on Friday, he said, “I stayed because I thought I still had something that I could give back to the club.”
He admitted the Saudi proposal was financially attractive but emphasised that his family’s outlook played a key role in his final decision.
“Obviously, the Saudi situation, with the money… There was a lot. The good thing I have in my family is that my wife is pretty down to earth like me,” he explained.
Fernandes added that he and his family place greater importance on achieving life goals rather than pursuing wealth alone.
“We’re very aware that we don’t want to be the richest person in the world. We just want to be the ones that have achieved the dreams we had and live a good life with our kids and try to be as successful as possible,” he said.
He also recounted how a conversation with his wife helped him reflect on his priorities.
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“The words of my wife were like, ‘Have you achieved your dreams? Have you achieved everything you wanted?’ And that small thing she said made me understand that she’s on the same page as me,” Fernandes said.
Loyalty to United during a challenging period also weighed heavily in his decision, as he was reluctant to leave while the club struggled.
“I didn’t want to leave the club at the point where we were struggling,” he added.
Since arriving in 2020, Fernandes has scored 106 goals in 322 appearances, helping the club secure the FA Cup and League Cup. However, he is still aiming for bigger titles, including the Premier League and the Champions League.
With one year left on his current contract, uncertainty remains about his long-term future, particularly as co-owner Jim Ratcliffe continues efforts to reduce costs at the club.
Nevertheless, Fernandes insisted his ambitions remain clear.
“I want to win the Premier League. I want to win the Champions League. I never hide from that,” he said.