Manchester City used Liverpool's win over Newcastle this weekend to motivate them to three important points at Leeds, giving them confidence going into this week's Champions League trip to Madrid.
12.04.2022 - 21:33 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Pep Guardiola was left stunned after finding out Fernandinho had revealed his desire to move back to Brazil and therefore leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
During Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash, the Brazilian had told the media of his plans, which were unbeknown to his boss until relayed by the MEN'sSimon Bajkowski. That said, it could have hardly been totally unexpected given the lack of playing time he’s offered the 36-year-old this term.
The club captain has started just six Premier League games this season after racking up 350 appearances in City colours in the previous eight campaigns. Fernandinho said the decision to return to his homeland was taken after speaking to his family.
READ MORE:Fernandinho makes shock Man City future announcement
"I want to play. I will go back to Brazil,” he said. “I decided with my family, which is the most important thing for me. It is the same as last season.
“I'm not playing much but I take care of other players and try to help wherever I can — on or off the pitch." Fernandinho will surely be remembered as one of the club’s greats after lifting four Premier League titles, six League Cups and an FA Cup.
For many, his departure will mark the end of an era. The void he leaves in the squad, though, will ultimately have to be filled. Here, the MEN Sport looks at five options City could bring in to replace Fernandinho.
Aurélien Tchouaméni
City have been linked with Aurélien Tchouaméni in recent months. The 22-year-old still has bags of potential despite already being one of Europe’s top talents.
The defensive midfielder recently responded to the speculation surrounding his future by saying: "I continue to work and progress and we will
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Six years ago Manchester City found themselves facing then 10-times Champions League winners Real Madrid in a first ever semi-final in the competition for the club.
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Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho announced that he will leave the club in the summer after playing in England for nine seasons with the reigning Premier League champions.
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Pep Guardiola preferred to look on the positive side of his Manchester City team’s punishing schedule - but still made his point about the TV broadcasters not taking enough account of teams’ schedules. The Blues boss OK’d a decision to fly straight to London - and train at Millwall’s The Den ground - after the midweek Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid.