Featured Image Credit: Image: PA
Topics: Manchester City, Fernandinho, Premier League, Pep Guardiola
Josh Lawless
Topics: Manchester City, Fernandinho, Premier League, Pep Guardiola
Manchester City captain Fernandinho has announced he will not sign a new contract with the club and is slated to leave in the summer.
The Brazilian midfielder joined the Blues from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 in a £34 million move - even paying part of his own transfer fee to secure the transfer.
He's gone over to play over 350 games for City, winning a total of 11 trophies in nine seasons and cementing his place as one of the Premier League's best defensive midfielders.
But now approaching 37 and no longer a regular for Pep Guardiola, Fernandinho intends to leave when his contract expires at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
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He made the shock announcement in the pre-Atletico Madrid press conference today, even surprising Guardiola.
"I don't think so," Fernandinho replied when asked if he wishes to extend his stay for another year.
Further expanding on his exit, the former Atlético Paranaense man added: “I have decided with my family that we will go and that is the most important thing.
“I want to continue playing first-team football. I will go back to Brazil for sure."
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Fernandinho has only played 973 minutes of football in all competitions this term, with Rodrigo Hernandez getting the nod in the defensive midfield position.
But the veteran's experience and leadership has been crucial and Guardiola cannot speak highly enough of him.
"The role he plays this season, I like the people who behave behind the scenes," Guardiola said.
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"I know what he has done, behind me, he handles many of our players and stars for the benefit of the team. I praise him and he was here when I arrive.
"I want him to be happy. We play tomorrow for him. Give him the best farewell moment reaching the Champions League semi-finals, after try to go through. I understand, play with happiness, if he wants to play it's understandable."