Manchester City captain Fernandinho has stunned manager Pep Guardiola by announcing that he does not want to sign a new contract that would keep him at the club beyond this season.
The 36-year-old’s contract expires in the summer, and speaking to the press ahead of Man City’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, the Brazilian brought to light he is unlikely to stay for a 10th season with the Premier League champions.
Fernandinho has played more than 370 games for City in all competitions.
Since joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, the former Brazil international has won four Premier League championships and six League Cups.
Fernandinho made his last start for City in the home Champions League tie against Sporting in early March.
He probably wants to exit the team since his playing time has been cut short.
Who will replace Fernandinho at Man City?
Declan Rice has recently established himself as one of the top Premier League midfielders. He is Fernandinho’s best substitute.
The English international has been a rock in defensive midfield for West Ham United, mobilizing his men in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Rice has been linked with a big-money move away from WHU recently, with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea all interested in the English prodigy.
