Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he rejected a €200 million offer from Saudi Arabia last summer because he wanted to continue pursuing his football ambitions rather than chase money.
The Portugal international admitted there was serious interest in taking him away from Old Trafford, with speculation over his future growing during the transfer window.
However, Fernandes said his decision was influenced by his personal values and the example he wants to set for his children.
“Instead of becoming the richest person from my town ever, I want to live my dreams. And I want to pass these values on to my children,” Fernandes said on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
The 31-year-old also reflected on the sacrifices made by his wife during the early stages of his career, explaining how she supported him long before fame and financial success arrived.
Fernandes reflects on early struggles
Fernandes revealed he was earning just €1,700 per month when he moved to Italy as a teenager, describing the uncertainty he faced at that stage of his career.
“Look, my wife, she chose to live my dream with me when I was still 17. I have been with her since age 16,” he said.
“At age 17 I went to Italy and I earned €1.7k per month. There was a lot of uncertainty. There was nothing guaranteed.”
The midfielder added that his wife put aside her own ambitions to support his football journey.
“My wife had her own life, her own dreams, and she said, ‘I am going to help you,’ and that’s what she did.”
United captain focused on football ambitions
Fernandes has remained one of Manchester United’s key players since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020 and recently enjoyed one of the strongest individual seasons of his career.
The midfielder won the Premier League Player of the Season award after registering eight goals and 20 assists, helping United secure Champions League qualification.
“Today, we have a beautiful family, with 2 beautiful kids,” Fernandes added.
