After nine seasons and 11 major trophies, Brazilian defensive midfielder Fernandinho has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season. He is out of contract in June and does not intend on signing a new deal.
The City captain is the last member of the old guard, and he is famed for his ability to break up attacks and keep his team ticking. The announcement came ahead of City’s second leg UEFA Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid and left Pep Guardiola befuddled.
Fernandinho said 🗣️: “I want to play. I will go back to Brazil, for sure. I have decided with my family, it is the most important for me”
Pep Guardiola said 🗣️: “I want him to be happy. We play tomorrow for him. Give him the best farewell moment reaching the Champions League semi-finals, after trying to go through. I understand, play with happiness, if he wants to play it’s understandable. For players until 2023, if a player wants to leave I understand completely, look at Ferran Torres. I don’t want anyone unsatisfied. For his age, for his family in Brazil. The club will help him.”
Fernandinho arrived from Ukraine in 2013, famously paying a part of his transfer fee to seal the move. He has made over 250 appearances for the club in that time, securing legendary status at the club. This season, he has played second fiddle to Rodri, who has adapted to the Premier League following his move from Atletico Madrid. Fernandinho will look to move back to Brazil, where he played for Athletico Paranaense before he moved to Europe.
