DBasia.news – Fernandinho (35 years old) has defended and has played an important role at Manchester City since 2013. His status is not much different from the legends of The Citizens such as Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Now Fernandinho is faced with the same situation as most other players: his contract is over. His contract expires at the end of this season and if not renewed then he can leave for free (free agent).
The Brazilian player is now faced with two situations, namely changing clubs with offers from other clubs, then the second to become Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager. Another option is of course staying and retiring at City if there is a new contract.
Interest from other clubs was confirmed by his agent, Giovanni Branchini. Despite being 35 years old, Fernandinho has the quality, character and experience needed, especially in guiding young players.
“We have received several proposals, good projects from Brazilian and European clubs for Fernandinho. He is a phenomenal player and person,” Branchini told Globo Esporte.
“I believe it will not be long before he knows what decision he will make. Everyone knows that Fernandinho really likes Athletico (Paranaense, Fernandinho’s former club) and the board of directors. I also have a great relationship with President Mario Celso Petraglia.”
“The conversation is always happening, but I can’t go on and say we talked about values, for example. It hasn’t happened yet.”
“I admit it is difficult to think about Fernandinho returning to Brazil and not playing for Athletico. But we have to wait, it’s a challenging decision, which he has to make with his family,” stated Branchini.
Atletico Mineiro is one of the clubs that are interested in Fernandinho, but according to reports from their Sporting Director, Rodrigo Caetano there are rumors of Fernandinho becoming Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager at City.
If Fernandinho chooses that path, he will follow in the footsteps of Mikel Arteta, the former player who was Guardiola’s assistant before training Arsenal.
“He is a point of reference at City, not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch. I don’t know if you know, but there was even an offer for him to join Pep as an assistant,” said Caetano.
“He is very attractive to us, because he is great on the pitch and also great off the pitch. But at the moment there are no negotiations with Fernandinho or his agent,” he explained.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk player has won three Premier League titles with City, five League Cup titles and one Community Shield. Fernandinho is a defensive midfielder with good defensive abilities, plus can make the transition to play well.