Atlético Mineiro star Bernard has insisted that money will not be the deciding factor in his decision to leave Brazil.
The 20-year-old has been strongly linked with moves to Arsenal, Tottenham and Porto, but Shakhtar Donetsk are leading the chase after Mineiro accepted an offer worth more than £20 million.
Bernard says money will not determine his next move, with reports in Brazil suggesting the player may prefer a move to Porto, as reported on Sky Sports.
“I have given myself time to think, but money isn"t everything in life," Bernard told Lancenet after featuring in the 2-1 defeat to Atlético Paranaense on Wednesday, when he scored and was sent off for his celebrations.
“I want to be happy and if that means staying in a place earning less money, then that"s what I want.
“I have made it clear that I want to stay, but the pressure is big from all sides. I have to sleep with this weight. I ask God to guide me somewhere.
“It"s a lot of pressure and speculation. It"s annoying. I have to talk about this every time, this is all I have been thinking about. That affects me on the pitch, but God controls everything and He is seeing what will be my future."
Mineiro coach Cuca has admitted that it is pretty much certain the Brazil international will leave the club.
“He will travel [abroard], will do his stuff. I am not the one who has to say this, he did his job, it"s very hard and almost impossible he stays here," the 50-year-old said.
