As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Fernandinho: One word to describe Man City career; Pep changed everything

Fernandinho feels he's reached all his goals as he prepares to leave Manchester City.

The veteran Brazilian midfielder will leave City after nine mostly successful years following Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa.

The 37-year-old has won four Premier League titles, six League Cups and one FA Cup since his £30million arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2013.

Reflecting on his time with City, Fernandinho said: “I think one word I can describe it – proud. Since the first day, the intention was to win trophies and then we did it.

"The whole group, the whole team and the whole staff were involved and when I look back, I feel really proud. Everything I planned, we did here.

“I couldn't imagine being here for such a long time but, from the first day, they showed us how to win games and trophies. I was sure I was giving 100 per cent to win a lot of trophies.

“After the success it was normal to extend with another contract, so I stayed for nine years."

Fernandinho's early successes with City came under Manuel Pellegrini, but he feels his best football came after Pep Guardiola took over as manager.

He said: “When he came I was 30 already, so I'd had good managers in the past, but when I started to work with him, I just started to see football in a different way.

“I understand football much better and he makes you see the game in another vision. It was amazing for me and he definitely helped me increase my level and my understanding about football as well."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free