‘I will go’ – Man City leader sets out imminent exit wish, leaving Guardiola surprised
Fernandinho has revealed he is expecting to leave Manchester City at the end of the season so he can finish his career playing regularly elsewhere.
The Manchester City captain has faded to a bit-part role in recent seasons. Turning 37 next month, he will be out of contract at the end of the season. There has been much speculation about what will happen next.
There have been theories that Manchester City could try to get him to stay, potentially in an off-field capacity. But after starting just six Premier League games this season, he may have other ideas.
Rather than retire, Fernandinho has revealed he has a desire to keep playing football. But that means he now looks likely to leave Manchester City in favour of joining a club in his native Brazil.
Asked at a press conference if he would like to stay at City, he said: “I don’t think so.”
He explained: “I want to play regularly. I will go back to Brazil.
“I decided with my family, which is the most important for me.”
Just last month, there had been reports that Fernandinho could extend his City contract by an extra year. That now seems to be off the table.
That said, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man does not have any complaints about how he has been used (or not) this season.
Asked about his current role, he said: “The same as the last season, not playing much but being there for the players and helping where I can. Sometimes off the pitch and on the pitch.”
What’s more, he denied he was surprised to be playing infrequently. He responded: “No. It’s a great squad.
“After nine years, maybe after the 2018/19 season when I changed my position, maybe could be one of the reasons I drop out of my place. And then it was a little bit hard for me to recover it.
“And obviously with age, it was a little bit hard for me, but I put myself in a position to try to help the team as always and I am glad with that.”
Fernandinho hopes for Champions League swansong
However, there won’t be too many more appearances to add to his tally of 373 for City. He will be hoping he could yet increase the amount of medals in his cabinet.
Fernandinho has won 12 trophies during his City career. They remain in contention for three this season, including the Champions League.
The midfielder was speaking at a press conference ahead of their quarter-final second leg with Atletico Madrid.
Within it, he also confirmed winning the competition – after finishing as runners up last season – remains an ambition.
He said: “It’s the most prestigious competitions we are in. It’s not easy, we have one more chance and I try to do it.”
Guardiola reacts to transfer claim
Speaking after Fernandinho at the press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed he was not aware of the midfielder’s plans.
He 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.”
Guardiola added when asked if he would try to convince Fernandinho otherwise: “At the end of the season we talk. Maybe it’s because of his family. I would love it. We will talk.
“The role he plays this season, I like the people who behave behind the scenes. 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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