The 37-year-old midfielder, who left City after nine trophy-laden years in England, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Athletico Paranaense club. Fernandinho revealed at a press conference his arrival in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba: “It is gratifying when I return home… years playing football in Europe”.
Man City officially bid farewell to Fernandinho
Born in the state of Parana, whose capital is Curitiba, Fernandinho began his career at Athletico Paranaense as a teenager in 2002 before moving to Ukraine to join Shakhtar Donetsk in 2005. After eight years in Donetsk , he won 6 Ukrainian championships, 4 National Cups and 2009 UEFA Cup (the precursor to the Europa League), Fernandinho caught the eye of Man City scouts.
At that time, he was already a Brazilian international and had more than 50 caps for the national team, helping Selecao to win the Copa America 2019 and play in two World Cups. At Man City, Fernandinho won 5 Premier League titles, FA Cups, 6 League Cups and participated in the last Champions League final.
\n
Man City have the glory thanks to the silent contribution from Fernandinho
The midfielder shocked City manager Pep Guardiola in April when he announced in a press conference ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Athletico are currently third in the Brazilian league and have reached 1/8 of the Copa Libertadores, where they will play Libertad of Paraguay. Fernandinho will be available from July 18 when Brazilian teams can register new players.
