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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that his former teammate and close friend Cristiano Ronaldo personally advised him to join the Saudi Pro League, but he turned down the offer β insisting he still has unfinished business at Old Trafford. Speaking openly in a recent interview, the Portuguese midfielder admitted that Ronaldo encouraged him to consider the growing Saudi project, but his desire to win the Premier League and Champions League with Manchester United made the decision an easy one.
βI spoke to Cristiano, yes,β Fernandes confirmed with a smile. βHe told me that the Saudi league is improving fast, that players are treated very well, and that the project there is serious. He even said, βYou would enjoy it here, Bruno.β But I told him, βNot yet. I still have things to win in Manchester.ββ
His comments have reignited discussions about loyalty and ambition in modern football, especially at a time when many top players have opted for the financial security of Saudi Arabiaβs lucrative offers. Fernandes, however, made it clear that money has never been his motivation.
βMy Dream Is Not Finished Yetβ
Bruno Fernandesβs story at Manchester United has always been about passion, leadership, and an unyielding hunger for success. Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, he has become one of the clubβs most influential figures β both on and off the pitch.
Under his captaincy, Fernandes has shouldered immense pressure during a turbulent era marked by managerial changes, ownership uncertainty, and squad rebuilds. Yet through it all, heβs maintained a deep connection with the clubβs identity and ambition.
βWhen you wear this badge, itβs not just about playing football,β he said. βItβs about representing something bigger β the history, the fans, the pride. My dream has always been to lift trophies here. I wonβt leave until Iβve done that.β
The midfielderβs determination was evident when he spoke about what drives him. βI want to win the Premier League. I want to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford. Thatβs what this club deserves, and thatβs what Iβm working for every single day.β
Ronaldoβs Honest Advice
Fernandesβs friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo runs deep. The pair share a strong bond that began long before they reunited at Manchester United in 2021. As two of Portugalβs most influential players, their mutual respect is evident both on and off the field.
According to Fernandes, Ronaldoβs advice came from a place of honesty and brotherly care, not persuasion. βCristiano didnβt force anything. He just told me what itβs like β the good things, the lifestyle, the facilities, the professionalism. He said Saudi football is growing quickly and that players there are motivated to make it a top league,β he explained.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in late 2022, has often spoken about his mission to elevate the Saudi Pro Leagueβs global reputation. His words, according to Fernandes, carried sincerity β but he knew his own journey wasnβt ready to end in Europe just yet.
βI respect Cristiano a lot. What he has achieved in football is incredible. If he says something, you listen,β Fernandes admitted. βBut I told him I still have a mission here. I still wake up every morning thinking about winning with Manchester United. Thatβs something I canβt walk away from yet.β
Temptation and Loyalty
Reports suggest Fernandes was approached by multiple Saudi clubs last summer with staggering offers. Sources claimed he could have earned up to Β£700,000 per week β more than triple his Manchester United wages. Yet, despite the temptation, the captain stood firm in his commitment.
βOf course, when numbers like that are mentioned, you think about it for a second,β he laughed. βIβm human. But then you remember why you started playing football β for passion, not for money. Iβm already at one of the biggest clubs in the world, in the best league in the world. Why would I leave before finishing what I started?β
This mindset has earned him widespread praise among fans and pundits alike. In an era where loyalty is rare, Fernandesβs refusal to chase money overseas has been seen as a symbol of leadership and integrity.
The Captainβs Burden
Leading Manchester United is no small task. The armband carries immense responsibility, especially at a club that measures itself by the highest standards of success. Fernandes, though, has embraced the challenge.
βItβs not always easy,β he admitted. βWhen results donβt go our way, people look at me first β and thatβs fair. But I like that responsibility. I want to be the first to set the example in training, in matches, in attitude. If I can inspire my teammates, then Iβm doing my job.β
Under RΓΊben Amorim, Fernandes has flourished in a more defined leadership role. Amorim, who also managed Fernandes briefly in Portugalβs youth setup, has called him βa warriorβ and βa true captain.β
βHeβs the heartbeat of our team,β Amorim said recently. βEvery day, he trains like itβs a final. Thatβs the mentality Manchester United needs.β
Legacy Before Luxury
For Fernandes, the decision to stay at United is as much about legacy as it is about loyalty. He knows that trophies define great players, and his ambition is to leave a mark similar to the clubβs legends who came before him.
βWhen I see the pictures of players like Scholes, Keane, Giggs, and Cantona lifting trophies, thatβs what inspires me,β he said. βI want to have my name in that history. I want fans to remember me not just for my goals or assists, but for the trophies I helped win.β
He paused before adding, βMaybe one day Iβll play somewhere else β maybe even Saudi Arabia, who knows? But when I go, I want to go knowing I gave everything to this club and achieved what I came for.β
Ronaldoβs Reaction
Interestingly, Fernandes revealed that Ronaldo respected his decision completely. βCristiano told me, βYouβre right. If you still have that fire, stay and fight.β He understands. Heβs done everything in football, so he knows when itβs time to move on. For me, that time hasnβt come yet.β
The two remain close, regularly exchanging messages. Ronaldo often congratulates Fernandes on his performances for United, and Fernandes continues to admire his former captainβs influence on and off the field. βHeβs still inspiring me from afar,β Fernandes smiled. βHeβs the greatest example of dedication Iβve ever seen.β
Looking Ahead
As Manchester United continue their rebuild under Amorim, Fernandes remains central to the project. His leadership, consistency, and professionalism have been crucial in shaping a new culture at Old Trafford β one that values discipline, work ethic, and ambition.
βI know the fans have suffered in recent years,β he said. βBut I promise them, weβre building something real. We will get there β and I want to be here when that happens.β
The captainβs message to supporters was clear: the hunger is still alive. βI want to lift that Premier League trophy. I want to hear the Champions League anthem at Old Trafford on a big night and know we can beat anyone. Thatβs the dream that keeps me here.β
A Symbol of Unitedβs Spirit
In a football world increasingly defined by money and short-term thinking, Bruno Fernandes stands out as a throwback β a player who values pride and purpose above paychecks. His decision to reject Ronaldoβs advice to join Saudi Arabia, while respectful, was a statement of intent.
βIβm proud of what Cristiano is doing there,β Fernandes concluded. βHeβs opening doors for others. But for me, my door is still open here β at Manchester United. I owe this club a title. Until that happens, Iβm not going anywhere.β
Those words capture the essence of a true leader β one who sees success not in wealth or comfort, but in the pursuit of greatness. And as long as Bruno Fernandes wears the Manchester United armband, fans can believe that the dream of returning to the top of English and European football is still alive.
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