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| Manchester City’s Fernandinho speaks to the press before the Champions League clash between Athletico Madrid and Manchester City at Manchester City Football Academy on April 12, 2022 in Manchester, England. |
Manchester City captain Fernandinho shocked manager Pep Guardiola by saying Tuesday he planned to leave the English champions at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old former Brazil international, who has won four Premier League titles since joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, revealed his intentions at a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Atletico Madrid.
Fernandinho, asked if he would like to extend his stay at the Etihad for another year, replied: “I don’t think so.”
Guardiola, who was alongside the midfielder, was taken aback by his skipper’s announcement.
Oh! I didn’t know. You give me the news, he said.
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, the Spaniard insisted.
Guardiola said Fernandinho had been “an incredible player for Manchester City.
The manager added: At the end of the season we talk, maybe it’s because of his family. I would love it. We will talk.
Fernandinho made his last start for English title-holders and table-toppers City in the home Champions League tie against Sporting in early March, but Guardiola said his club captain remained an important figure.
The role he plays this season – I like the people who behave behind the scenes, he explained.
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.
City, yet to be crowned kings of Europe after losing last season’s Champions League final to English rivals Chelsea, will travel to Spain with a 1-0 lead from the first leg thanks to a goal from Kevin de Bruyne.
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