It’s been seven years since Fernandinho desperately waived a staggering £4 million to facilitate his move to Manchester City. Since then, he has consistently performed at the highest level for both club and country.
Fernandinho has been very significant in bringing Manchester City success in recent years.
The Brazilian international was Manuel Pellegrini’s first signing after taking over as head coach in 2013.
He immediately brought stability to the Citizens’ midfield with his tireless work ethic and superb defensive showing.
In 33 appearances, he averaged 1.75 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and won two in every three tackles made per game.
This allowed other midfielders to roam forward freely and would prove vital, as Yaya Toure racked up 20 goals and nine assists on their way to a second league title in three years.
Another key area that Fernandinho excels in is his passing. In 2016, Pep Guardiola, reputed for his high possession and gradual build-up style, moved to Manchester City.
Under Pep, the Brazilian averages 79 passes per game with an accuracy of 88.6%. While City are a very attacking side, his 2.3 clearances, 1.5 interceptions and 2.5 aerial battles per game provides a brilliant defensive cover for the free-roaming midfielders while shielding the defense.
His versatility has also seen him deployed in positions such as a central midfielder, center-back and even right-back under the Spaniard.
In his seven years at the Etihad, the 35-year-old has made over 300 competitive appearances, scoring 23 goals and 25 assists and has won nine major trophies, including three Premier League titles, five League Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.
He also made the PFA Premier League Team of the year In 2019.
If the likes of Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva are regarded as modern legends at the Manchester club, surely Fernandinho has done enough to fit the Legend status.
