In a bombshell interview with Rio Ferdinand, Bruno Fernandes has revealed his two past opportunities to leave Manchester United, and why he turned them down.
Over the course of the summer transfer window, one of the key talking points regarding Manchester United was whether their captain was going to stay or go.
Bruno Fernandes was the subject of heavy interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, although despite offering the United captain a lucrative salary, he decided to stay at Old Trafford.
United’s loyal servant has proven his worth to the club time and time again, with this season being no exception. Fernandes has five goals and seven assists, leaving him top of the Premier League assist charts.
In a recent interview with United legend Rio Ferdinand, Fernandes has opened up on his opportunities to depart the club and has provided his reasons for staying put.
Fernandes’ love for United
The Portuguese midfielder told the Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast, via Daily Mail, “When I came to the club, apart from loving being here and loving the club, I think my loyalty was like in the toughest periods I had the club and I could have left in two times.
“The club said, “No, we need you.” And I said, okay, you gave me something. I will give you something.” Obviously, I think the time at the club has not been as I wanted because obviously, I wanted to lift trophies and I haven’t lift as many as I should and I could.
“But at the same time, I think everything I’ve done for the club in a certain way was still very important and not taking nothing away from other players that were here and everything.
“I think when we struggled the most, I stayed present to the club, and I think everyone at the club, I hope, is aware of that because the chances I had were very good.
“So I’m very aware that I could have done a different path. I could have gone in a different way and probably winning more trophies and people talking about me in a different way because I’ve had trophies into my cabinet. So nowadays people talk more like you are a better player or a worse player if you win or you lose trophies.”
Fernandes talks trophies
In his time at United, Fernandes has helped his side to an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup, but despite his efforts, he has yet to win either a Premier League title or a Champions League trophy.
Speaking on the prospect of trophies, the 31-year-old said, “When I speak about going and winning trophies, I stayed here because I think I still can win trophies here.
“I wouldn’t have stayed here if the club hasn’t told me our aim is still to get the highest we can be, get back to winning trophies, get back to be the club we were before. Because if that was not the aim then yes I wouldn’t have stayed here.
“But because I know the aim of the club is still to get back to where they want to be and where I want the club to be and that’s why I came to the club in the first place. So if I can help to get back there that’s all I want to do.”
Clearly, the club are looking to match their captain’s ambitions, and hopefully, Fernandes’ loyalty can be rewarded in the near future through some silverware.
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