The long-serving former Manchester City captain, Fernandinho, has brought his 23-year playing career to an end, confirming his retirement in an interview earlier today, November 20.
Fernandinho, 40, admitted that the demands of the sport have finally caught up with him. “I’m already very tired. I’ve run for over thirty minutes today, and I’m completely exhausted. Football can no longer motivate me; I’ve achieved a great deal in the football field. I’ve enjoyed everything. Now, it’s time to enjoy time with my family,” he said.
His journey started in 2002 at Athletico Paranaense, where he rose from a promising teenager to one of the club’s biggest exports. Three years later, Shakhtar Donetsk paid 7 million euros for his services, and he spent the next chapter of his life shaping their midfield and helping the Ukrainian side enjoy one of the strongest eras in its history.
Manchester City came calling in the summer of 2013, securing him for 40 million euros. Over the next nine seasons, he became part of the club’s backbone, guiding a new generation of City teams that went on to dominate English football. His leadership, timing in midfield and reputation for reading games made him a mainstay at the Etihad.
He returned to Brazil in 2022 to rejoin Athletico Paranaense, looking to close out his career where it began. His contract with the club ended in January, clearing the way for the announcement many had expected.
