The 36-year-old ended his contract this summer and speaking to the press ahead of Manchester City’s second Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, the Brazilian, who has played more than 370 games for City in all competitions , revealed that it is unlikely that he will extend his stay for the 10th season with the Premier League champions. When asked if he wanted to leave the Etihad Stadium to play more, he said: “Yes, I want to play. I want to play regularly. “I will return to Brazil. I decided with my family, what is most important to 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 moving to City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013. Fernandinho later issued a statement on Twitter saying he had given an “honest and spontaneous” response to his future and was fully committed to City’s quest for treble. He said: “I was 100 percent honest and spontaneous in answering this question in today’s press conference. “But anyone who knows me also knows that my greatest honesty is with Man City and my duties as team leader. “My focus is 100 percent on winning all the titles we are fighting for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. Let us keep pushing!”

Pep on Fernandinho’s announcement: “I did not know”

  Picture: Fernandinho’s last start for Manchester City in the Champions League against Sporting in March

The possible departure of Fernandinho was news for the boss of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, who was confronted by the media shortly after the captain of his team. When asked about Fernandinho’s possible departure, Guardiola said: “Ah! I did not know. “You give me the news, I did not hear it. “We will see what happens. I do not know what will happen. He is so important. I will ask him.” The City boss added: “At the end of the season we are talking, maybe it’s because of his family. I would like it. We will talk.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Manchester City captain Fernandinho said this season would be his last at the club when asked if he would extend his contract.

Pep: “Unbelievable” Fernandinho is still playing a key role

  Image: Man City captain Fernandinho lifts the PL trophy.

Fernandinho made his final start for City in the Champions League home draw against Sporting in early March, but Guardiola said his captain – whom he described as an incredible player for Manchester City – continued to play. role in 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, he handles many of our players and stars behind me for the benefit of the team. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jamie Redknapp analyzed Fernandinho’s performance against Norwich and hailed him as the best defensive midfielder in the history of the Premier League. “I praise him and he was here when I arrived. Rahim (Sterling), Kevin (De Bruyne), John (Stones), some players. “We know him well, from day one until now, always here. “An incredible player for Manchester City. There are things no one knows, but I know exactly.”

Dias back in training Pep: Everyone will be important

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ruben Dias is continuing his return from injury as he trained with the rest of the Manchester City team ahead of the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Proceeding to the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Manchester City has a 1-0 lead over Atletico Madrid thanks to a goal by Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium as he struggled to stay on track for the treble. Guardiola revealed that defender Ruben Dias had returned to training and will travel with the team and has no new injuries or penalty problems. The Portuguese center midfielder has been out of action since the beginning of March due to a thigh injury. Guardiola said: “Dias is traveling with us and the others are all in shape “Maybe (he will play on Wednesday), I do not know. He is doing a training session and six weeks off … The fact that he is back is unbelievable and we have a big schedule until the end of the season. “Everyone will be important.”

The schedule of the Manchester City games:

For reshuffle: Wolves (a) Premier League April 13 – Atletico Madrid (a) second match of the Champions League QF April 16 – FA Cup semi-finals Liverpool (Wembley). April 20 – Brighton (the) Premier League, live on Sky Sports April 23 – Watford (h) Premier League April 26/27 – First match Chelsea / Real Madrid Champions League SF * April 30 – Leeds (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports 3/4 May – second match Chelsea / Real Madrid Champions League SF * May 8 – Newcastle Premier League, live on Sky Sports May 14 – FA Cup Final * May 15 – West Ham (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports May 22 – Aston Villa (the) Premier League May 28 – Champions League Final *

  • Subject to progress