FERNANDINHO has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester City.
The Brazilian, 36, had faced an uncertain future this summer, after initially refusing to commit to another year at Etihad Stadium.
But after finally reaching an agreement, the veteran pointed to unfinished business being a key factor.
And he described it as a ‘pleasure’ to keep his family in Manchester for another year.
He told Man City’s website: “In my head and my mind, the job is not done yet.
“And so that’s why I decided to stay here another year and try to help the team and the club to achieve the goals that they’re looking for.
“In my point of view, we can do that, there’s still places to improve and to get those targets.
“And obviously, for me and for my family it’s a pleasure to stay in Manchester for one more year.
“If I can keep doing the same way, leading them inside the pitch, off the pitch, to help them to improve and get better and to perform better during the games, I would be the happiest person there.”
City’s delighted director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Fernandinho’s contribution to Manchester City cannot be overstated.
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“He is an outstanding footballer – one of the best in the world in his position – and an exemplary professional.
“Since he arrived in 2013, his attitude and consistency have been exceptional, and he has developed into one of our most influential players.
“He is our captain, our leader and it is a position he has excelled in. There are a number of talented young players in our squad and, therefore, it is vital we have somebody with Fernandinho’s knowledge and experience.
“He remains an important player for us and we are delighted he has committed to another year.”
Fernandinho has made 350 appearances for City, since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.
In that time he has won 12 trophies, including four Premier League titles – but the Champions League has eluded him.
He was benched for this year’s final last month, being introduced as a 64th minute substitute by Pep Guardiola as City fell to a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Fernandinho succeeded David Silva as captain last year, and will now have one last shot to lift the famous European trophy as skipper.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
