Fernandinho: Pep Guardiola stunned by Manchester City captain’s exit plan - ‘At the end of the season we talk’

George Flood12 April 2022

Fernandinho is planning to leave Manchester City this summer - much to the surprise of manager Pep Guardiola.

The versatile Brazilian stalwart and club captain signed a new 12-month contract at Etihad Stadium last summer to extend his stay at the club to nine years, having made 373 appearances since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £34million deal back in 2012.

Though having long since ceased being a regular starter at City, Fernandinho remains an influential figure in the dressing room as the club target a treble of major trophies this term.

But asked if he expected to stay put for next season, the 36-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday: “No, I want to play regularly. I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important for me.”

That revelation was news to Guardiola, who addressed the assembled media slightly after Fernandinho in advance of City’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday night.

“Oh! I didn’t know,” Guardiola said. “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.

“At the end of the season we talk, maybe it’s because of his family. I would love it. We will talk.”

Guardiola also hailed Fernandinho as an “incredible” player and praised his enduring influence behind the scenes, despite having only started six Premier League matches so far this season.

“The role he plays this season - I like the people who behave behind the scenes,” Guardiola added.

Pep Guardiola had no knowledge of Fernandinho’s plans to leave Manchester City this summer
AFP via Getty Images

“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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