Manchester City’s club captain, Fernandinho, has announced he will not renew his contract and will leave the club this summer. The 36-year-old plans to continue his playing career back home in Brazil.
“I want to play. I will go back to Brazil, for sure. I’ve decided with my family, it’s the most important for me,” as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Fernandinho to Leave the Etihad in the Summer
Illustrious Career
The veteran midfielder started his career at Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense before moving to Shaktar Donetsk in 2005. In Donetsk, he won six Ukrainian Premier League titles, four Ukrainian Cups and the UEFA Cup in 2009. In the summer of 2013, he moved to Manchester City for £34 million and the rest, as they say, is history.
Becoming one of the best holding midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, he has helped City to four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six EFL Cups.
Champions League Trophy Would Be the Perfect Send-Off
Fernandinho became club captain back in 2020 following the departure of David Silva but hasn’t seen much playing time since due to the emergence of ‘a younger Fernandinho’ in Rodri. The Brazilian has only started six games in the Premier League this season but stated in a press conference before their second-leg tie with Athletico Madrid that winning the competition remains his and Man City’s ambition.
“It’s the most prestigious competition we are in. It’s not easy, we have one more chance and I try to do it,” said Fernandinho in his press conference before City’s crucial tie against Athletico Madrid
Guardiola Surprised at News of Fernandinho Departure
When prompted at the same press conference, Pep Guardiola was surprised at the plans of his captain.
“Oh. I didn’t know. You give me the news. I didn’t hear it. He is so important. I’ll ask him,” as reported by Manchester Evening News.
The Spaniard outlined the importance of Fernandinho behind the scenes at Manchester City and the effect he has had on Guardiola himself and his teammates.
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