If all goes well, then Fernandinho's final game as a Manchester City player will be the last time he lifts the Premier League trophy. It will not be just a farewell, but a response to his commitment and prestige over the nine years at the Etihad Stadium. This will prove his role as club captain: he was selected by his team-mates due to his leadership skills and control of the dressing room. Guardiola has no say in the appointment of the captain, although he is very pleased that the Brazilian took his place after Kompany left in 2019. He knows he can turn to the 37-year-old when he needs to. Fernandinho and some of his teammates are likely to feel that he could have gained more trust this season, which is why he finally decided to leave at the end of the season.
Guardiola was shocked to learn at a press conference ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals with Atletico Madrid that Fernandinho would be leaving. The midfielder confirmed this a few minutes ago and he took the decision out of the club's hands. Guardiola said immediately after the news was revealed: "The role he has played this season is the kind of person I like to perform behind the scenes. I know what he did, behind me, he handled a lot of our players and stars for the good of the team, I praised him and he was here when I came. Sterling, De Bruyne, Stones, a couple of players, we know him well and have been here since day one. An incredible player at Manchester City. There are some things that no one knows, but I know very well. ”
Fernandinho always did things his own way, that was before he joined the club. Back in 2013, when he finally joined, negotiations between Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk were in danger of collapsing, but to ensure the deal passed, Fernandinho dropped the £4m the Ukrainian club owed him. It was a brave decision and he would be the last time he left the stadium as a club legend, with the potential to win the fifth Premier League title medal that only Aguero had ever won.
Fernandinho told the media: "I am really proud to be part of this huge club, full of kind people and hard-working staff, which is why Manchester City are now considered one of the best teams in Europe. I'm really proud to be a part of this team and be a part of how they grew and we made history. Now it's a mixture of emotions. When I look back, I was full of anticipation when I first came here: I just wanted to play well and win the championship. Over time, you become more experienced, you win a championship, you become more and more eager to win more. ”
It's been 17 years since he left Brazil, and his two European-born children have never lived there. Returning to his home country was a big decision and former club Atlético Parana wanted to sign him. Despite Fernandinho's excellent performance in Manchester, he still needs to convince Brazilians of his qualities. He was a member of the Brazilian national team, which was humiliated 7-1 by Germany at the 2014 World Cup, and took most of the responsibility. Ironically, Fernandinho has done a lot to improve the image of his native in England and become the greatest Brazilian in Premier League history. Previously, at Manchester City, they had invested heavily in Jo, Robinho and Elano, and the results were mixed. After Fernandinho, his hard work and qualities helped Jesus and Edson adjust to their new lives, a feeling that was everywhere, whether on the training ground or buying household items at a small Brazilian shop outside Salford.
"It's hard to leave Manchester City, but that's life. I want to keep playing a little bit more, getting more time in the game and having the opportunity to play for another club," he added, "but it's not just about football, you know, it's about family, it's about being closer to my family and friends." I've been away from Brazil for 17 years and it's not easy. My dad is getting older and my mom is getting older and they can't travel a lot to visit me, so the best option is to go home and stay with them and continue to work there. ”
Sadly, Fernandinho will be the latest on the club's roster of legends – which includeSAguero, David Silva and Kompany – who have left without a Champions League success. Notably, after being eliminated in the match against Real Madrid, he was one of the first players guardiola to comfort after the all-field whistle. His last chance on the European stage was gone, and the pain was palpable. "I believe in the future they will win the Champions League and I hope they will win the title soon," he said, "although I will stay away from them, I will support them and always watch them do well." ”
But a fifth Premier League medal would be a good way to end it, and if there's anyone who makes sure Manchester City doesn't get their head on Aston Villa, that person will be Fernandinho.