Manchester, United Kingdom, April 12, 2022 (AFP) – The Manchester City captain surprised Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, coach Pep Guardiola, by announcing on Tuesday that he wanted to leave the English club at the end of the European season and that he wanted to return to the English club. Brazil.
The 36-year-old has been a four-time English champion since joining City in 2013, and today he announced this at a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
When 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,” added the player, who did not mention any potential new clubs.
Guardiola, who was next to Fernandinho in the interview, expressed his astonishment at his captain’s response: “Oh! I didn’t know. You just gave me the news.”
“I don’t know what will happen. It is very important. I will ask him,” the coach added.
Guardiola said Fernandinho was an “amazing” player and would be “happy” if he decided to stay at the club.
The Brazilian’s last participation was for City in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, which was played at home against Sporting Lisbon in early March, but Guardiola said he remains a key part of the squad.
“When I arrived (in 2016) he was already like Raheem (Stirling), Kevin (De Bruyne), John (Stones) and some players…
Fernandinho used social media to clarify his comments.
“I was 100% honest and spontaneous in answering this question in today’s interview. But anyone who knows me also knows that my greatest honesty is with Manchester City and my duties as captain,” the player wrote on his Twitter account.
“My focus is 100% on winning all the trophies we are fighting for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. We will keep pushing!” added Fernandinho.
The Citizens lead the Premier League by one point over Liverpool and next Saturday they have another important commitment against the Reds, this time in the FA Cup semi-finals.
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