Why Bruno Fernandes turned down Saudi Arabia

The Portuguese midfielder said he still wants to continue playing top-level football in Europe.

Fernandes chose to stay at MU. Photo: Reuters .

“Al Hilal were very polite,” Fernandes said at a press conference for Portugal on June 3. “They spoke to my agent. Then I spoke to my wife. She has always supported my decisions. The decision to move there will be easy. I know very well the Portuguese players who play in Saudi Arabia. But I want to play at the highest level and compete for big titles. I can do that, and I still want to continue. I am very passionate about football.”

Fernandes also said he discussed with coach Ruben Amorim before making the decision. "He asked me not to leave. MU did not want to sell me. They did not need the money. If I wanted to leave, they would do it," the Portuguese midfielder added.

Previously, Al Hilal was willing to pay Fernandes a salary of about 700,000 pounds per week for 3 years. In addition, Al Hilal also agreed to spend about 100 million pounds in transfer fees to convince MU to release the player. According to ESPN , the Saudi Arabian club believes they can reach an agreement due to MU's financial difficulties.

Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, traveled to the Middle East for talks last week. But the deal eventually fell through.

"Our last season was very difficult," Fernandes admitted. "We couldn't achieve the goals we set. It was a negative result. I love playing for the national team. I've always been happy here. I hope we can reach the final."

Portugal will have a Nations League semi-final match against Germany on the early morning of June 5 away.

Bruno Fernandes' failed rabona On the evening of May 30, Bruno Fernandes failed to execute a rabona in the friendly match where MU beat Hong Kong (China) 3-1.

Source: https://znews.vn/ly-do-bruno-fernandes-tu-choi-saudi-arabia-post1558133.html