Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he could have left the club before signing a new deal with the Old Trafford-based team. On Wednesday, Fernandes signed a new deal with the Red Devils, which made him the highest-paid player at the club.

The Portuguese midfielder said it was crucial for him to get a vote of confidence from the club ahead of the new season.

Fernandes said on ESPN Brasil, “This vote of confidence from the club was very important for me. Even because I was approached [by other clubs], the club was aware that there was a possibility of me leaving, I had concrete offers. But the club showed that they needed me, that they are at a time of change and that they want to do things differently.”

The 29-year-old is hopeful of winning more trophies with Manchester United in the upcoming season.

“I believe there is a dream future at this club with the changes that are taking place. That’s why I chose to stay. There were other directions that would have been interesting for me, other expectations. But I feel good here, I feel loved and I feel that the club has been very respectful of me.”

On the other hand, Manchester United have signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. The duo have moved to United for a joint fee of €60 million.

Speaking on the transfer move, defender Lisandro Martinez told BBC, “So excited about Matthijs, about Nouss. We are here to help them and they are really good players. That’s why Manchester United bought them. They will show that quickly because they have really good qualities and they like to play football and they are special for our system. I think Matthijs will give us a strong personality, playing from the back, defending high. I can’t wait to play with him.”

Manchester United will begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham on Friday at Old Trafford.