Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was widely tipped to make a sensational switch to Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window.
Al-Hilal were desperate to land Fernandes and reportedly dangled an eye-watering €40m per year net salary, along with an additional €10m in bonuses.
They were also ready to table an offer worth £80million-£100m to Man United.
In a stunning display of loyalty, Fernandes chose to remain at Old Trafford and put an end to the transfer saga.
The 31-year-old has now revealed that he held secret conversations with legendary Cristiano Ronaldo before turning down the Saudi project.
He said (via The Athletic): “I spoke with him about the situation, about Saudi and everything.
“I wouldn’t say what he told me, but we spoke about it. Cristiano had his opinion on what I should do.
“With all the experience he has, it was important for me to hear what he thought. But obviously the decision will always come to me and to the club.”
Fernandes also disclosed that conversations with his wife Ana were crucial in reaffirming his commitment to the Red Devils.
He added: “The first thing she said was, ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’. Because she knows that I haven’t.”
Fernandes is a true Man United legend
The Portuguese magnifico will celebrate his 300th appearance for the club when he steps onto the pitch against Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow.
Since arriving at United in January 2020, Fernandes has netted 100 goals and provided 84 assists, leaving an indelible mark on the club.
He has been the beating heart of a turbulent United side, helping them to stay relevant in an era of mediocre results.
He had a way out of this chaos in the summer and the chance to command astronomical wages abroad.
The offer on the table would have guaranteed him and his family a life of unmatched luxury and comfort.
Yet, Fernandes chose the path of ambition over riches, prioritising trophies and legacy over monetary gain.
Fans must give him full credit for his unwavering loyalty and desire to achieve greatness at Old Trafford.
The £39 million-rated star is the club’s best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era and one of the finest players to don the famous red jersey.
While he has remained tight-lipped about Ronaldo’s exact advice regarding the Saudi move, it is very clear that his wife played the pivotal role in making him stay at United.
United fans will hope that Fernandes and his family continue to feel at home in Manchester, as losing him would have been a devastating blow to the club.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .
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