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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes revealed that he rejected the offer of 200 million euros Saudi Arabia last summer because he wanted to continue to pursue his football ambitions and not chase after money.
The Portugal international has admitted there is serious interest in taking him away from Old Trafford, with speculation over his future mounting 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 in my town ever, I want to live my dreams. And I want to pass those values on to my kids,” Fernandes said on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
The 31-year-old also reflected on the sacrifices his wife made 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 a month when he moved to Italy as a teenager, describing the uncertainty he faced at that stage in his career.
“Look, my wife, she decided to live my dream with me when I was still 17. I’ve been with her since I was 16,” he said.
“At the age of 17, I went to Italy and earned 1.7 thousand euros a month. There was a lot of uncertainty. Nothing was 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’ll help you,’ and that’s what she did.”
The United captain focused on football ambitions
Fernandes has remained one of Manchester United’s key players since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, and has recently enjoyed one of the strongest individual seasons of his career.
The midfielder won the Premier League Player of the Season award after scoring eight goals and providing 20 assists to help United secure Champions League qualification.
“Today we have a beautiful family with two beautiful children,” added Fernandes.
