Pep Guardiola wants Fernandinho to stay for another year at Man City

Pep Guardiola says he would love Fernandinho to get a new Manchester City contract at the end of this season. The midfield general, due to start in the Champions League last-16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon tomorrow night, but his future at the club is in doubt as he turns 37 in May and no final decision has been made on what happens next.

City 's executive team have been impressed by the veteran skipper's influence around the dressing room, and Guardiola feels he has the attributes to be a top coach, but the decision will rest with the player himself and football director Txiki Begiristain. Fernandinho 's influence could be seen on the sidelines as he gave Kevin De Bruyne advice during a break in play, something that Guardiola says he encourages his players to do.

"These kind of things come from himself - in this case, when Kevin in all the meetings, knows exactly what we are meant to do, we are so fortunate to have them. I love it when they talk to each other about the game, they know what can happen."

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Asked whether there is a comparison between Fernandinho and his former assistant Mikel Arteta - now Arsenal boss - Guardiola gave a guarded positive: "In terms of how the people respect them, yeah definitely," he said.

"After knowledge and passion licence to be manager, I'm pretty sure when a holding midfielder is thinking about the team, he has everything to become a manager. I would love it if he stays, he's an incredible captain. Now I have the feeling he is getting better, the conditions at Peterborough were so difficult. Freezing cold, the minutes ... chapeau. At the end of the season, Txiki and the club have to decide."

Guardiola's viewpoint was backed