MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, April 12, 2022 (AFP) – Manchester City captain, Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho surprised manager Pep Guardiola by announcing on Tuesday that he wants to leave the English club at the end of the European season and that he will return. I want Brazil.
The veteran 36-year-old has been a four-time English champion since joining City in 2013, and he made the announcement today at a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Atletico Madrid in the European Champions League.
Asked if he would extend his contract for another year, Fernandinho replied: “I don’t think so.”
“I want to play (next season), I will definitely return to Brazil,” said the player, who did not mention any possible new clubs.
Guardiola, who was in favor of Fernandinho in the interview, expressed surprise at his captain’s reaction: “Oh! I didn’t know. You just told me the news.”
The coach said, “I don’t know what will happen. He’s very important. I’ll ask him.”
Guardiola said Fernandinho is an “incredible” player and would be “happy” if he decides to stay at the club.
The Brazilian last made his Champions League round of 16 debut for City in the return leg, played at home against Sporting Lisbon in early March, but Guardiola said he remains an important part of the squad.
“When I arrived (in 2016) he was already like Raheem (Sterling), Kevin (De Bruyne), John (Stones), some players…, the coach said.
Fernandinho took to social media to clarify his comments.
The player wrote on his Twitter account, “I was 100% honest and comfortable answering this question in today’s interview. But anyone who knows me also knows that my greatest honesty is Manchester City and the captain of the team.” As with my duties.”
Fernandinho said, “I am 100% focused on winning all the titles we are fighting for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. We will continue to press!”
The ‘Citizens’ are one point ahead of Liverpool from the Premier League and have another important commitment against the ‘Reds’ next Saturday, this time in the FA Cup semi-finals.
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