Pep Guardiola has called Fernandinho ‘one of the greatest players’ in Manchester City’s history and is hopeful the midfielder will sign a new deal to remain with the club.
The Premier League champions are set to offer the veteran a one-year extension to his current contract at the Etihad, which is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
Despite the Brazilian international turning 35 before the season’s end and seemingly in the twilight of his career, Man City are keen to keep Fernandinho at the club for a further season following his impressive performances in an unfamiliar central defensive role this season.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has enjoyed a hugely successful six-and-a-half-year spell in English football, winning three league titles amongst a host of major honours, and Guardiola lavished praise upon his quality and said he hopes that he will opt to extend his stay at the Etihad.
“Of course I would like him to stay,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup third-round tie with Port Vale.
“He does not have to convince me to stay longer, he convinced me on day one three years ago when we started to work together.
“He doesn’t need to do anything special. It’s just his age, his desire and how he is going to feel with many things. I know the opinion I have, he has and we have about what he has done over many, many years here.
“He is one of the greatest players that this club has had in its entire history.”
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