Shock as Man City stalwart has offer to become Guardiola’s assistant
Fernandinho could become Pep Guardiola’s new assistant at Manchester City for next season, according to claims in Brazil.
The Brazilian midfielder is revered in Manchester after seven and a half years at the club. The 35-year-old has won three Premier League titles and five League Cups and has been one of City’s best signings in recent years.
City paid Shakhtar Donetsk £34m for Fernandinho in the summer of 2013; he was one of Manuel Pellegrini’s first signings.
However, is playing days are coming to an end and so is his City contract.
The veteran has just four months remaining and, according to talk from Brazil he is being lined up to replace Mikel Arteta. Arteta, who was Guardiola’s right-hand man, left for Arsenal in December 2019 and City have yet to replace him.
Atlético Mineiro have been linked with bringing the Fernandino back to his homeland.
However, Rodrigo Caetano the executive director of Mineiro says the player has an offer from City to work alongside Guardiola.
“There is a lot of speculation because he is coming to the end of his contract,” Caetano told O Tempo . “He is a reference point at City – not only on the pitch, but a lot off the pitch too.
“I don’t know if you know, but there is even an offer for him to join Pep as an assistant.
“He is very interesting to us, because he is very good on the pitch and excellent off it as well.
“But there are no negotiations at the moment with Fernandinho or his agents.”
Fernandinho has admitted he has enjoyed his life in Manchester, although he did return to Brazil during the Covid-19 shut down last season.
He also refused to ruled out a move to the US last April.
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“I’ve thought about [MLS],” he said when asked if he would make the move to Major League Soccer.
“It’s some offer I would consider for the future for sure. Me and my family are settled [in Manchester].
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Fernandinho in demand
“It’s the nicest city – everyone has their passion for the game, they love football.
“Since I was there, you can feel the love and respect from the fans. This is good, it gives you extra motivation to work hard on and off the pitch.
“I miss my country but at the end of the day I am doing my job.”
Fernandinho, who has filled in brilliantly as a centre-back for Guardiola on numerous occasions, is in demand.
Giovanni Branchini, who represents him, told GloboEsporte last month: “We’ve received several proposals, good projects from Brazilian and European clubs for Fernandinho. He’s a phenomenal player and person.
“I believe it won’t be long before he knows what decision he’ll make.”
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