FERNANDINHO celebrated a fourth Prem crown with Manchester City — and immediately set his sights on a Champions League triumph.
The veteran Brazil midfielder — who joined City in 2013 — was handed the armband at the start of the season.
And he will lift the trophy in front of his team-mates and 10,000 fans when they face Everton at the Etihad on the final day of the season a week on Sunday.
And six days after that Fernandinho’s team face another huge date when they play Chelsea in their first Champions League final.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk man lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley last month but insists Pep Guardiola’s relentless title heroes are not finished yet.
Brazilian Fernandinho, 36, said: “I am so proud and so happy with what we have achieved. The Premier League is the hardest league in world football – every single game is tough.
“To win it again means the world to me and the rest of the squad.
“We will enjoy this moment and we hope the fans do too.
“But rest assured we will continue to do everything we can to bring the Champions League home this season.”
Fernandinho is out of contract in the summer and plans to start contract talks with the club over an extension early in June.
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Hopes are high that he may stay for another 12 months as he remains a key man for boss Guardiola – both on and off the pitch.
He took over the armband from David Silva – who had it for just one season following the departure of Vincent Kompany.
And Fernandinho revealed recently how he called a team-meeting in the New Year to get their season firmly back on track.
It clearly worked as they won the title with three games to spare and Fernandinho said: “To captain this team is an honour and a privilege because the players have given their all throughout season, whether in training or in matches. “
Guardiola spoke of the difficulties caused by the pandemic this season and his captain revealed how everyone has pulled together in adversity.
He added: “The teamwork has been amazing.
“Football is everything to us and we strive every single day to be as good as we can be in the hope we can bring success to Manchester City.
“Winning the Premier League title is the ultimate fulfilment of our ambitions. It’s what we all dreamed of as young players, so to do it is a wonderful feeling.”
There were no signs on social media that City’s stars had rounded for a title party like Liverpool did last year.
But Aymeric Laporte posted a photo on social media of himself celebrating with team-mate Rodri after Leicester’s win of Manchester United sealed their title.
And after City’s success, Raheem Sterling tweeted: “What’s that smell?”
Referring to City fans’ song about himself, the England ace added: “It’s that time of the year … #hestopoftheleague.”
City talisman Kevin De Bruyne tweeted three trophy emojis after his third Prem title, adding: “Another One.”
Boyhood City fan Phil Foden added: “Proud to be a part of this team.”
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan shared an old picture of himself with Leicester matchwinner Caglar Soyuncu, adding: “Thank you brother.
“Champions of England… again. I would have prefered to celebrate this moment after our own game, but I take it anyway. What a season!”
Kyle Walker added: “Such an honour to be a part of this incredible team. Well done boys!”
Departing striker Sergio Aguero, who overtakes David Silva to become City’s most decorated player with 15 trophies, tweeted: “Proud of this team! Five #PremierLeague titles.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
