Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho reveals he will leave at the end of the season

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has revealed he will leave at the end of the season, bringing an end to his trophy-laden nine-year spell.

The previously integral 36-year-old, who was named as the Premier League leaders’ club captain in September, has struggled for game time this campaign.

And, speaking at a pre-match press conference this afternoon, he has announced his intention to walk away from the Etihad – with his sights set on a move to Brazil. 

Questioned on whether he would extend his contract, he said: ‘I don’t think so.’

Fernandinho has just three months left on his deal, having penned fresh terms for one more season last year. This term, he has played just 13 times in the top-flight.

In his five starts, however, he has sported the skipper’s armband and will remain a crucial leadership figure for Pep Guardiola as City fight for multiple trophies.

With over 250 games to his name, Fernandinho was won four Premier League trophies, an FA Cup and six League Cups. 

Speaking at a press conference, the veteran admitted he will move on for more game time

He has been linked with a return to his homeland in recent months, and has voiced his desire for more minutes after discussions with his family. 

‘Yes. Yes, I want to play,’ the veteran added, when asked whether he will leave City in order to play more regularly.

He then went on to say: ‘Yes, I will go back to Brazil for sure. I decided with my family and that is most important for me.’ 

Guardiola, however, was visibly surprised by the news and admitted he had not been made aware before Fernandinho addressed the press. 

Fernandinho has been integral to City since joining in 2013, but has barely played this term

‘Oh? I didn’t know,’ he said.

‘You just give me the news. We will see what happens, we don’t know what is going to happen. Fernandinho has been important to me but it is up to him.’

Despite the player having seemingly made up his mind, Guardiola also said he plans to speak with him at the end of the season – and labelled him ‘incredible’. 

He added: ‘End of the season we will talk. Maybe it is a family decision, I don’t know. This kind of the situation is to talk end of the season. 

Pep Guardiola said he was not aware the 33-year-old would be leaving in the coming months

‘I have said many times this season I like the types of people where they behave for the benefit of those behind the scenes. He doesn’t need it (credit).

‘I know what he has done behind me. 

‘When I arrived he was here with Raheem [Sterling], Kevin [De Bruyne] and Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] I think, John [Stones], a few players. 

‘He’s been an incredible football player for Man City. There are things that nobody knows but I know exactly what he does.’

Fernandinho has since insisted his focus is on his current club and his role as captain, and said he will only address his future at the end of the season.

‘I was 100% honest and spontaneous in answering that question at today’s press conference,’ he posted on Twitter. 

‘But anyone who knows me also knows that my greatest honesty is with Man City and my duties as team captain.’

He then added: ‘My focus is 100% on winning all the titles we are playing for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. Let’s keep pushing!’