Manchester City captain Fernandinho shocked his manager Pep Guardiola by revealing he is not planning to sign a new deal to keep him at the club beyond this season.
The 36-year-old is out of contract in the summer and speaking to the press ahead of Man City’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, the Brazilian, who has played more than 370 games for City in all competitions, revealed he is unlikely to extend his stay to a 10th season with the Premier League champions.
When asked if he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium to play more, he said: “Yes, I want to play. I want to play regularly.
“I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important for me.”
The former Brazil international, who signed a one-year contract extension last June, has won four Premier League titles and six League Cups since joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.
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Pep on Fernandinho’s announcement: ‘I didn’t know’
Fernandinho’s potential exit was news to Man City bossPep Guardiola, who was facing the media shortly after his club captain.
When asked about Fernandinho’s possible departure, Guardiola said: “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.”
The City boss added: “At the end of the season we talk, maybe it’s because of his family. I would love it. We will talk.”
Pep: ‘Incredible’ Fernandinho still plays a key role
Fernandinho made his last start for City in the home Champions League tie against Sporting in early March, but Guardiola said his club captain – who he described as an incredible player for Manchester City’ – had continued to play a key role with the Premier League champions
Guardiola said: “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.”