Manchester City captain Fernandinho will be leaving the club at the end of the season, when his contract expires. The Brazilian has stated that he wants to return to his country with his family, and that this year will be his last with the Sky Blues, as well as in Europe.

The player will feature for Man City for the last time against Aston Villa, in a bid to retain the Premier League title. City will need to get all three points as they host Villa, or hope that their rivals Liverpool slip up against Wolves at Anfield.

Manchester City skipper Fernandinho to return to Brazil

Fernandinho will leave Manchester City as free agent this summer and Atletico Paranaense are now close to reach full agreement to sign him. Talks in progress with player's camp for his comeback. 🇧🇷 #MCFC

Fernandinho wants to return to Brazil together with his family. pic.twitter.com/fe4tH4EB8u
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2022

The midfielder arrived in Europe in 2005, joining Shakhtar Donetsk for €5 million. He spent eight years with them before moving to Manchester City in 2013 for €40 million. In nine years at the club, he has been able to win four Premier League titles (potentially five), one FA Cup, six League Cups, and has also been a Champions League finalist.

He is close to agreeing a contract with Athletico Paranaense, and will be joining as a free agent upon the expiry of his current deal.

Fernandinho’s departure marks the end of the old guard for the club. David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany all left in previous seasons, and with the Brazilian leaving, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are the most senior players in the team.