Fernandinho, Firmino, Alisson: Who is the Premier League's greatest ever Brazilian?

Manchester City captain and Brazilian icon Fernandinho has announced that he is leaving the Premier League to return to his homeland at the end of this season.

A lack of first team football is cited to be the reason for his departure as the Brazilian confirms that he “wants to play.”

Something that, admittedly, he has done little of this season, given he has took part in just 13 Premier League matches so far this campaign, predominantly from the subs bench.

But now aged 37, that shouldn’t detract from legendary status that the ruthless enforcer has built-up in his time at the heart of Manchester City’s midfield. Make no mistake – Fernandinho was a player.

Not in the sense that most Brazilians are though, he wasn’t one for fancy flicks and tricks, but what he did was simple and effective. He was integral to the expansive way City play their football and in many ways underrated by most who watched him.

So, as he enters the closing stages of his career on the European stage, we thought it would be fitting to see how he fares in comparison to other Brazilian greats.

And before any Arsenal fans lose it about Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel not making the grade, longevity is also a factor. Just saying…

Check out our list of the Premier League’s 10 greatest Brazilian players ever.

10. Thiago Silva

The elite centre-back who at one time might have had a strong argument for best in the world, may have joined Chelsea at the ripe old age of 35, but his impact has been enormous nonetheless.

His leadership qualities were vital in propelling Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea squad to Champions League glory last season, whilst his incredible awareness and game intelligence puts the Brazilian in the top five centre-backs operating in the