Former Man City captain Fernandinho returns to Athletico Paranaense in Brazil 17 years after leaving
Former Manchester City captain Fernandinho returns to first club Athletico Paranaense in Brazil 17 years after leaving… after winning 11 league titles and a UEFA Cup during nearly two decades in Europe
- Fernandinho signed a contract with the first club Athletico Paranaense in Brazil
- The Brazilian left Manchester City after nine successful years at the Etihad Stadium
- The Brazilian midfielder has revealed he has received offers from several different clubs
Former Manchester City star Fernandinho has returned to his first club, Athletico Paranaense, 17 years after leaving the Brazilian side.
Fernandinho, 37, left Manchester City at the end of last season after winning his fifth Premier League title during a trophy-laden nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
The former City captain, who made 383 appearances for the club, has returned to his native Brazil and will play for Athletico Paranaense who he represented from 2002-05.
Fernandinho dons the red and black of Athletico Paranaense for the second time in his career
“We had many proposals, from several different clubs, from Brazil and abroad,” Fernandinho revealed when he was unveiled on Monday.
“But the most sensible decision was to go home and try to give my best here at Athletico now.”
Athletico Paranaense are coached by former Chelsea manager and World Cup winner Luis Felipe Scolari, who joined the team in May.
Fernandinho left the Brazilian team in 2005 for his first European adventure with Shakhtar Donetsk.
He spent eight years in Ukraine, winning six domestic titles, then winning the UEFA Cup in 2009.
Premier League title in May” class=”blkBorder img-share” style=”max-width:100%” />
Fernandinho’s last act as a Manchester City player was winning the Premier League title in May
Fernandinho was a key player for Guardiola but was a substitute for Rodri last season
The midfielder moved to City in 2013, winning the first of his five Premier League titles in his debut season.
He went on to win the EFL Cup six times and the FA Cup once, but couldn’t get his hands on the Champions League trophy, coming close in 2021 when City were beaten 1-0 in the final by Chelsea. .
The defensive midfielder played a minor role for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, starting just 17 games in all competitions, with youngster Rodri favored by the Spanish tactician.
Capped 53 times by Brazil, Fernandinho enjoyed success with the Selecao, winning the 2019 Copa America in his native country.
The Brazilian returns home with unfinished business after playing 72 times for Athletico, scoring 14 goals.
Athletico currently sit third in the table, five points behind leaders and reigning Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras.
Advertising
Comments are closed.