Fernandinho’s Agent Talks Up Departure from Manchester City

That Fernandinho is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season is no longer news. Except there is a change of heart from both parties in the next few weeks, the Brazilian will play football elsewhere at the beginning of next season. His one-year extension with City is gradually winding down. As a result, speculations concerning his next destination have started circulating.

With just months left of his deal at the Etihad Stadium, the 35-year-old is now free to discuss a pre-contractual agreement with clubs outside of England. Pressed to reveal what is happening behind the scene, his agent, Giovanni Branchini, has provided an update on the situation.

He has made known the possible destinations for the midfielder as he nears the end of his playing days at the Etihad Stadium. The most likely destination is the player’s boyhood club Atletico Paranaense.

“We’ve received several proposals, good projects from Brazilian and European clubs for Fernandinho. He’s a phenomenal player and person,” Branchini told Globo Esporte.

“I believe it won’t be long before he knows what decision he’ll make. Everyone knows that Fernandinho has a great affection for Athletico and the board. I, too, have an excellent relationship with President Mario Celso Petraglia.

“Conversations have always happened, but I can’t go ahead and say that we talk about values, for example. It hasn’t happened yet.

“I confess that it’s difficult to think of Fernandinho returning to Brazil and not playing for Athletico. But we have to wait, it’s a difficult decision, which he has to make with his family.”

Fernandinho has been a very important player for Manchester City since joining the club from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013. The Brazillian has been a part of some of the best moments at the Etihad Stadium in the last decade.

He helped the team win the Premier League title in his very first season and has added two more. That is in addition to an FA Cup and five League Cup crowns. Needless to say, he has been a very valuable asset for the club.

That explains why he has remained at the club until age 35. He remains one of Pep Guardiola’s favourite players in the team and showed his importance once more with a stunning volley of a goal against Manchester United to help City reach a fourth successive League Cup final.

But there comes a time to say goodbye. The only question is: Is now the right time to do so?