Former Manchester City captain hints at Etihad Stadium return in message to fans | OneFootball

One of Manchester City’s greatest-ever midfielders and a former captain of the club has hinted at the possibility of a return to the Etihad Stadium in the near future.

That concerns Fernandinho, who firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders to star in the league, despite only arriving at Manchester City as a 28-year-old from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Some may have raised eyebrows at the time as Manchester City sanctioned a £30 million spend on a five-cap Brazil international on a four-year deal, although the player’s immediate commitment to the dream was apparent,

From the off, there was a love-affair with the Brazilian, who is understood to have waived around £4 million owed to him by Shakhtar Donetsk under the terms of his contract in order to complete a switch to the Etihad Stadium.

And the rest was history, as the now Athletico Paranaense midfielder spent nine seasons in sky blue recording over 380 appearances in the process and winning 13 pieces of silverware under Manuel Pellegrini, Pep Guardiola, and as the club’s captain.

Since leaving the club in the summer of 2022, Fernandinho has maintained a strong bond with the Etihad Stadium, often returning to his long-standing former home on media duties and to reunite with colleagues and friends.

Speaking during a new interview with Manchester City’s official club website as part of a wider feature film, Fernandinho was asked if he had a message for the Etihad Stadium fanbase who held him in such high-regard during his time with the club.

“I miss them, they miss me,” Fernandinho responded. He continued, in a clear hint at a potential return to the club in the near future, “And sometime soon we’re going to be together.”

Fernandinho was most recently present in England earlier this year and attending several Manchester City training sessions while reuniting with the first-team squad and watching one activity alongside Rodri at the City Football Academy.

During his recent stay, the Brazilian was also present for the media duties and formal signing process of compatriot Vitor Reis, as the teenager completed a big-money switch from Palmeiras during the January transfer window.

The pair had a brief chance to catch-up within Manchester City’s training centre as Fernandinho said of the versatile defender, “He is at the best club in the world! He’ll be properly looked after and will develop very well.”