Bruno Fernandes reveals he rejected a €200m Saudi offer, saying family values and life goals mattered more than money

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he rejected a €200 million contract offer from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window, explaining that personal values and family priorities influenced his decision on Monday, May 25, 2026, in an interview discussion referenced from the “Diary of a CEO” podcast.

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Bruno Fernandes, the 31-year-old Manchester United midfielder and club captain, said he was tempted by the lucrative proposal but ultimately chose to remain at Old Trafford, where he continues to play a central leadership role.

The Portugal international disclosed that the decision was guided by his desire to set the right example for his children, stressing that financial gain was not his primary motivation in football.

“Instead of becoming the richest person from my town ever, I want to live my dreams. And I want to pass these values on to my children,” Fernandes said during the interview.

He reflected on his early career struggles, revealing that his journey was far from glamorous when he first moved abroad as a teenager.

Fernandes explained that he moved to Italy at the age of 17, earning just €1,700 per month, while facing uncertainty about his professional future.

He also paid tribute to his wife, describing her role in his journey as crucial, noting that she supported him through the early stages of his career despite having her own ambitions and life plans.

“At age 17 I went to Italy and I earned €1.7k per month. There was a lot of uncertainty. There was nothing guaranteed,” he said.

The midfielder added that his wife chose to support his dream from a young age, a decision he credited as part of their shared journey toward building a stable family life.

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Fernandes, now a father of two, said his focus remains on footballing ambition and family responsibility rather than financial accumulation, despite continued interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.