Fernandinho: Manchester City midfielder signs new one-year Etihad contract

34-year-old midfielder has played key part in success under Guardiola

Fernandinho has signed a new one-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2021.

The 34-year-old midfielder has played a key part in City’s success under Pep Guardiola over the past three-and-a-half years, filling in at centre-half this season.

Fernandinho joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £34m move in 2013 - winning three Premier League titles in the time since - and his existing Etihad contract was set to expire at the end of the season.

But City have sought to tie down the versatile Brazil international for another 12 months after an impressive campaign to date in an unfamiliar position.

“This is the best possible news,” Fernandinho said. “I want to take this opportunity to put on record how grateful I am to my teammates 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.”

Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, added: “This new deal reflects Fernandinho’s quality and commitment. He is not only a first-class professional and one of the best players in world football, he is a fantastic person who leads by example every single day.

“We have a talented young squad – but making sure they are supplemented by senior players of Fernandinho’s ilk is of paramount importance. What he brings in terms of leadership and professionalism is valued by everyone at the football club.

“He is a player with outstanding technical quality, and his appreciation of the game allows him to play multiple positions. He is also a player without ego, someone who values his teammates and recognises the importance of the squad.”