FERNANDINHO has given Manchester City a boost on the eve of the derby by signing a new contract at the Etihad.
SunSport revealed on January 2 the Brazilian was set to be rewarded for his excellent season with an offer of a further 12 months.
Fernandinho has signed a one-year contract extension at Man CityCredit: Reuters
And the 34-year-old has now put pen-to-paper – meaning he will remain with the club until at least the summer of 2021.
On the deal, Fernandinho claimed: “This is the best possible news.
“I want to take this opportunity to put on record how grateful I am to my team-mates and the backroom staff here at City.
“Without them, this deal would not be possible, so sincere thanks to every single one of them.
“I have enjoyed every second of my time at City.
“I never expected to build such a meaningful relationship with the Club and the fans, but it has happened, and I am grateful every single day.
“Our fans are unbelievable; I am so happy that I will continue to play for them a year longer.
“I feel their love and passion and it genuinely helps keep me driven.
“My focus now is on making sure we continue to be successful.
“My time here has been decorated by silverware, but under Pep’s guidance we have really accelerated.
“I want that to carry on for as long as possible.”
The Brazilian has been a key man for City since he joined from Shakhtar Donetsk for £30million in 2013.
In the summer Pep Guardiola decided to convert Fernandinho from a midfielder into a centre-back following an injury to Aymeric Laporte.
In the absence of the French ace, he has arguably become City’s first choice in that role.
And has been crucial to keeping their hopes of silverware alive.
Last month, he revealed he wants to play on for some years yet.
Fernandinho claimed he will take inspiration from fellow Brazilian Ze Roberto, who was 43 when he hung up his boots.
Man City take on rivals Manchester United in the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, leading 3-1 from the first-leg.
FA Cup 5th round draw: Man United face Southampton/Spurs while Chelsea at home to Shrewsbury/Liverpool
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
