Fernandinho says goodbye to the big stage after nine years with the Skyblues. The 37-year-old decided to head home and addressed final words to fans in a letter
“Today is the last day of my contract at Manchester City, I gave my best and I can say I would do it again,” the 37-year-old wrote on social media on Thursday. The Brazilian has been one of the faces of the Skyblues and has been with the blue section of Manchester since his move from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, helping them to climb the European top flight.
He said he made the “best decision of his life by moving to Manchester City: I hope that one day, when you remember me, you will feel the same way I feel about you now as I write.”
He really stepped into the limelight again in his final season with the Skyblues, in the semi-final first leg against Real Madrid, when he replaced the stricken John Stones at right-back in the 36th minute of the game. From that moment on, his opposite number was to be Vinicius Jr: the nightmare personified for a veteran who suddenly has to play at right back due to a lack of personnel.
But there is probably no better sign of confidence – even if there were hardly any other options for Guardiola that evening. “He is such an important player for us. I knew he would do well,” he praised the experienced midfielder afterwards, but he struggled mightily with his nimble compatriot on the opposite flank.
Fernandinho’s story “continues as a Citizen fan “
Fernandinho can look back on extremely successful years in Manchester, although he was also denied the Champions League trophy. The right-footer has won five championships and six League Cups in nine years. But after the farewell, “the story goes on. Now I will be a Citizen fan thirsting for more titles and victories.”
The reliable six-pointer, who is joining his hometown club Athletico Paranaense, already communicated his desire to move in April. The reason at the time was the lack of playing time. Fernandinho will certainly get that in Brazil.
