Bruno Fernandes keen to try Spain or Italy after Manchester United
The Red Devils captain has shared his frustrations over a near summer exit
Bruno Fernandes has suggested Spain or Italy as potential destinations later in his career, while insisting that his immediate focus remains on staying at Manchester United.
The United captain, whose contract runs until June 2027, rejected a lucrative approach from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal during the summer and admitted the club wanted him to leave.
Speaking in a two-part interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, Fernandes addressed both his long-term ambitions and his current commitment to the club.
In the second part of the interview, which aired on Wednesday, the Portugal international made clear that he is happy to remain at Old Trafford as long as he feels valued.
“I’ve always said that I want to remain in a place for as long as I’m wanted,” Fernandes said. “The moment I feel that I’m not 100% wanted, then I will talk to the club and say that I want to leave.”
Looking further ahead, Fernandes admitted he is keen to experience other major European leagues, particularly those he has not yet played in or has strong personal connections to.
“I would like to try the Spanish league because I’ve never played in Spain. I would like to play for one of the clubs in Italy that competes for big aims like the league title, especially because I really enjoyed living in Italy.”
The 31-year-old’s comments on Italy reflect his early career path, having previously played for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before returning to Portugal with Sporting CP in 2017.
“I have many links to the country [Italy],” Fernandes said. “My daughter was born there and she keeps saying that she wants to learn Italian and if I could provide that and play for a club in Italy that has big aims and fight for a chance to win titles, it’s an idea that like.”
Fernandes also acknowledged the possibility of one day returning to Portugal. He left Sporting to join United in January 2020 in a £68m transfer and has since established himself as a key figure and captainb at the club.
“I’ve thought about returning to Portugal,” he said. “Going back to where you were once happy can tarnish the image you have left. Out of affection and respect, my first choice would be Sporting.
“But I don’t want to spoil the beautiful image I have. Even for family reasons, I would like to return to Portugal. But I don’t want to go there only for what I did but because I can add something.
“I want to extend my career for as long as possible, I don’t mind playing in lower leagues. I want to enjoy playing football.”