- Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season
- Fernandinho has stated he will return to Brazil but will not retire from competitive football
- The midfielder has been Manchester City captain and has even been offered a coaching role at the club
Veteran Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has announced he will not extend his stay at the club beyond the end of the season.
Fernandinho’s current City contract expires at the end of June and there had been uncertainty over his future beyond that. The 36-year-old has become a bit-part player in recent seasons as he enters the twilight of his career and following the arrival of Rodri in 2019.
Sky Sports has reported that the player has been offered a coaching role under Pep Guardiola, but the club has given him the volition to do as he sees fit following his nine years of loyal service. It was reported last month that City is on the lookout for a replacement whether he stays or goes.
However, the former Brazil international has now clarified his situation and revealed he plans to end his time at City and return to his home country.
Fernandinho addressed the media during the pre-match press briefing ahead of Manchester City. Atletico Madrid UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, April 13 2022. | PHOTO: Getty Images |
Asked whether he planned to sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium ahead of Man City’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, Fernandinho said: “I don’t think so.
“Yes, 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.”
On what his role was and whether he expected to be playing more, Fernandinho added: “The same as the last season, not playing much but being there for the players and helping where I can. Sometimes off the pitch and on the pitch.
“No [I didn’t expect to play more]. It’s a great squad, after nine years, maybe after the 2018/19 season where I changed my position, it was harder to recover. With age, it’s harder, but I put myself in a position to help the team.”
Speaking after the defensive midfielder, head coach Guardiola revealed he was unaware of Fernandinho’s decision.
“Oh. I didn’t know,” he said. “You give me the news. I didn’t hear it. We will see what happens. I don’t know what will happen. He is so important. I’ll ask him.”
Fernandinho joined City in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk and will leave after nine years of exemplary service to the reigning Premier League champions.
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