The 31-year-old midfielder has enjoyed what many regard as his finest season since arriving in 2020, underlining his importance to the team both on and off the pitch.
His comments come after renewed attention on his future, following strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last off-season. The club were reportedly willing to spend around 200 million pounds to secure his services, but Fernandes turned down the approach, signalling his desire to remain in Manchester.
Now, he has offered his clearest indication yet that he intends to stay put, emphasising his deep bond with the club and its supporters.
“It’s not a question of loyalty,” he told Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
“I could have gone two years ago, I could have gone three years ago, I could have gone last season, but I really like to be here.
“I think that being successful at this club is something that I can never get at another club. The joy and everything I get, the day I get what I want from this club, I don’t think I will get that from any other club in the world.
“I know how much the fans want this, I know how passionate they are. I know how much they are waiting for the club to come back again. I’m on the same ship as them.
“I want this ship; instead of being steady, I want it to go forward and to navigate as much as we can.
“Yeah, I won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, [but] what this club wants, what these fans want and what I want, myself and the team, we haven’t got that yet. Until my contract expires, I’m going to try.”
