Fernandinho makes shock Man City future announcement

Fernandinho has revealed he is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season. The Brazil international turns 37 next month but says he is ready to quit the Blues and return to Brazil to keep playing regular football.

That will bring to an end a remarkable nine-year career with City, in which he has won four Premier League titles, six League Cups, an FA Cup and played in a Champions League final. The Brazil ace is also the club's longest-serving player and current club captain.

The Blues had discussed the possibility of him staying in some capacity, even as a player depending on how the season pans out, but lack of opportunity appears to have made up the midfielder's mind, as he wants to extend his playing career. Fernandinho initially said he did not think he would stay this year.

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And when asked to expand speaking at the pre-Atletico Madrid press conference, he said: "I want to play. I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important thing for me. It is the same as last season. I'm not playing much but I take care of other players and try to help wherever I can — on or off the pitch."

That means this season is the last chance for Fernandinho to lift the Champions League trophy, with City preparing to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the quarter-final tomorrow night, with a 1-0 lead from last week's game at the Etihad Stadium.

Fernandinho could start, with first choice Rodri being in the middle of two games against Liverpool in the space of six days. But he said that he was not surprised that he had not been given more games this season, playing just 13 times in the Premier League:

"After nine years and maybe