Manchester City captain, Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho surprised his coach Pep Guardiola by declaring on Tuesday April 12 that he intended to leave the reigning 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 in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk, revealed his intentions at a press conference ahead of the quarter-final return from the Champions League on Wednesday at Atletico Madrid. As a reminder, the Skyblues won 1-0 at home last Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola: ‘An incredible player’
Fernandinho, asked if he would like to extend his stay at the Etihad for another year, replied: ” I do not think so. »
Guardiola, who was alongside the midfielder, was taken aback by his captain’s announcement. ” Oh ! I did not know. You’re the one giving me the news”did he declare. “I don’t know what will happen. He is so important. I will ask him “insisted the Spaniard, who indicated that he would be « ravi » if his player reconsidered his decision.
Guardiola said Fernandinho had been “an incredible player for Manchester City”. “At the end of the season we will talk about it, maybe it’s because of his family”added the manager.
Fernandinho’s last tenure with the Citizens dates back to the Champions League Round of 16 return contested at home against Sporting Portugal in early March, but Pep Guardiola assured that he remained an essential figure for the Mancunian club.
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” When I arrived (in 2016) he was already there, like Raheem (Sterling)Kevin (debruyne)John (Stones)few players… We know each other very well. […] He did amazing things (for the team)things no one else does”underlined the technician.