Having joined Manchester City in 2013, the Brazilian has been a key player for the Blues since then.
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In a major development, Manchester City captain Fernandinho has revealed his desire to leave the club at the end of the current season. Not only fans but his manager Pep Guardiola was left shocked by the announcement. Having joined Manchester City in 2013, the Brazilian has been a key player for the Blues since then. Playing in a holding midfield position, the 36-year-old was a vital part of Guardiola’s setup and has won multiple trophies with the club. In the summer, Fernandinho is out of contract.
Ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second-leg match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Fernandinho announced the decision to leave the club. Asked if he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium to play more, Fernandinho replied: “Yes, I want to play. I want to play regularly. I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important for me.”
This announcement had come has a surprise for his manager Guardiola, who faced the media after Fernandinho. Questioned about his club captain’s possible departure, Guardiola replied, “Oh! I didn’t know. 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. At the end of the season we talk, maybe it’s because of his family. I would love it. We will talk.”
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Fernandinho was the team’s first choice for many years at City, but the arrival of Rodri in 2019 changed the equation. Since then, the Spaniard started to play more regularly, leaving the Brazilian on the bench. After joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, Fernandinho has gone on to win four Premier League titles and six League Cups.
My focus is 100% on winning all the titles we are playing for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. Let’s keep pushing! ?? pic.twitter.com/MGVcf6VVz0
— Fernandinho (@fernandinho) April 12, 2022
Later, Fernandinho issued a statement, saying that his focus is currently on winning all the possible titles with City in the remaining part of the season. He added: “I was 100 per cent honest and spontaneous in answering that question at today’s press conference. But anyone who knows me also knows that my greatest honesty is with Man City and my duties as team captain. My focus is 100 per cent on winning all the titles we are playing for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. Let’s keep pushing!”
Meanwhile, Guardiola heaped praise on Fernandinho, calling him an “incredible player.” “The role he plays this season – I like the people who behave behind the scenes,” Guardiola said. “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. Raheem (Sterling), Kevin (De Bruyne), John (Stones), a few players. We know him well, from day one to now always here. An incredible player for Man City. There are things nobody knows but I know exactly.”
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