Manchester City captain Fernandinho surprises Guardiola by announcing exit

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester Metropolis captain Fernandinho shocked supervisor Pep Guardiola by saying Tuesday he deliberate to go away the English champions on the finish of the season.

The 36-year-old former Brazil worldwide, who has received 4 Premier League titles since becoming a member of Metropolis from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, revealed his intentions at a pre-match press convention forward of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Atletico Madrid.

Fernandinho, requested if he want to lengthen his keep on the Etihad for one more yr, replied: “No, I wish to play usually. I’ll return to Brazil. I made a decision with my household, which is an important for me.”

Guardiola, alongside the midfielder on the press convention, was bowled over by his skipper’s announcement.

“Oh! I didn’t know. You give me the information,” he stated. “I didn’t hear it. We are going to see what occurs. I don’t know what’s going to occur.”

“He’s so essential. I’ll ask him,” the Spaniard insisted.

Guardiola stated Fernandinho had been “an unbelievable participant for Manchester Metropolis”.

The supervisor added: “On the finish of the season we speak, perhaps it’s due to his household. I’d find it irresistible. We are going to speak.”

– ‘Trustworthy and spontaneous’ –

Fernandinho later took to social media to make clear his feedback.

“I used to be 100% sincere and spontaneous in answering that query at at the moment’s press convention,” he wrote in a Twitter submit.

“However anybody who is aware of me additionally is aware of that my best honesty is with Man Metropolis and my duties as staff captain.”

English champions Metropolis nonetheless lead the Premier League by some extent from Liverpool after final weekend’s 2-2 draw with the Merseysiders, who additionally present their opposition in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

“My focus is 100% on successful all of the titles we’re enjoying for and I’ll solely speak about my future on the finish of the season,” Fernandinho added in one other Twitter submit. “Let’s hold pushing.”

Fernandinho made his final begin for Metropolis in a house Champions League tie in opposition to Sporting Lisbon in early March.

However Guardiola stated his membership captain remained an essential determine on the Etihad.

“The position he performs this season – I just like the individuals who behave behind the scenes,” he defined.

“I do know what he has carried out, behind me, he handles a lot of our gamers and stars for the advantage of the staff.

“I reward him and he was right here after I arrived. Raheem (Sterling), Kevin (De Bruyne), John (Stones), just a few gamers. We all know him nicely, from day one to now at all times right here.

“An unbelievable participant for Man Metropolis. There are issues no person is aware of however I do know precisely.”

Metropolis, but to be topped kings of Europe after shedding final season’s Champions League remaining to English rivals Chelsea, will journey to Spain with a 1-0 lead from the primary leg due to a aim from De Bruyne.

Guardiola revealed defender Ruben Dias had returned to coaching and would journey with the squad.

The Portugal centre-half had been sidelined since early March with a thigh harm.

“Possibly (he’ll play on Wednesday), I don’t know,” stated Guardiola.