Ivan Toney has questioned whether Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has even 'seen the Saudi Pro League' after snubbing a huge offer to join Al-Hilal this summer
Bruno Fernandes has been told that he has got the Saudi Pro League all wrong after declaring that he rejected a move to the Middle East because he wants to keep playing at an elite level.
That's the verdict of Ivan Toney, who was asked about Fernandes' decision to stay at Manchester United. Toney, 29, moved to Saudi Arabia last summer to join Al-Ahli from Brentford in a transfer deal worth £40million despite interest from other clubs in the Premier League.
After plundering 30 goals in 44 games for Al-Ahli, Toney was handed a surprise recall to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel ahead of the upcoming games against Andorra and Senegal.
And the former Bees striker has questioned whether Fernandes has even 'seen the league' after being asked about the Portugal star's comments on the move.
“That’s his decision. He maybe thinks it's different to me,” Toney said during an interview with talkSPORT while discussing Fernandes' decision to stay at Old Trafford.
“He obviously hasn't seen the league. The standard is high. I always say this, people always judge it on not seeing it, you know? And you have to see it first hand to have your own opinion. If people went there and went to some games, they'd soon realise.
“I know it's a good standard. You would never knock it once you've been there. It is tough.”
Fernandes revealed earlier this week that he decided to reject a lucrative proposal from Al-Hilal after mulling things over with his wife.
“It was a very ambitious proposal," Fernandes said during a press conference ahead of Portugal's meeting with Germany. “The president was a fantastic person. We never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent? Of course. Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career. She was someone who always supported me a lot.
“It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team, we have a great friendship.
“But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it.”
Hansolo
1
The difference is Bruno is elite and world class and Ivan Toney is at most a championship player, that’s why you find the Saudi pro league too much to handle.
Emmaveli29
0
he wants to be a star in a crap team, he means, not an also ran in a team full of stars.
Emmaveli29
0
BF planning to relegate Man United to Championship. His hidden agenda
Kenado
1
If the standard in Saudi is as high as in England, why wasn't Toney banging in goals in England as he's doing there. Every one know it's because of the cash that some players go there so pls stop trying to throw dust in our eyes
Hozcertu
3
Toney he is being deceived by big money,that is why he was suspended because of betting
veecmpsuz
1
absolutely brutal 🙄🙄 I h8 allfootballs clickbait posts
ya this was a bad one
veecmpsuz
0
i don’t buy it lmao saudi is not competitive, i’m sorry. just because you have some aged legends and some aging ex EPL players doesn’t make it competitive lol
nuycdlrty
1
absolutely brutal 🙄🙄 I h8 allfootballs clickbait posts
Huhaclorst
1
This Toney is just sour because Bruno has the luxury to reject this crazy amount. never in your life Toney. get over it.
Niucikmpru
0
BF planning to relegate Man United to Championship. His hidden agenda
jiheilnrty
1
Ivan, if that league was good enough you wouldn’t have scored 30 goal. The last time I checked, you’ve never scored even 20 goals in the PL in a single season.
and what team did toney get 20 with? put him in a team like city and he'd get 30, hes in a top 3 team in saudi so ofc hes gonna get a few more??
ConorMcDermott
0
it's not just the football he has to consider. it's the life style out of football that could effect his decision. the temperature for one is very different to play football in too.
toubmnors
3
Ivan, if that league was good enough you wouldn’t have scored 30 goal. The last time I checked, you’ve never scored even 20 goals in the PL in a single season.
Neadenpstu
0
he wants to be a star in a crap team, he means, not an also ran in a team full of stars.