Pep Guardiola says he was unaware that Fernandinho had confirmed his departure from Manchester City.

Manchester City captain Fernandinho shocked his manager Pep Guardiola by revealing he is not planning to sign a new deal to keep him at the club beyond this season.

Fernandinho: "Yes, I want to play. I want to play regularly. I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important for me." | Pep Guardiola: "Oh! I didn't know. You give me the news. I didn't hear it. I don't know what will happen. He is so important"

Ahead of Manchester City's Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Atletico Madrid, the 36-year-old, who is out of contract at the conclusion of the current season, said that he wouldn't be renewing his contract for a 10th season.
"Yes, I want to play," he answered when asked whether he wanted to leave the Etihad Stadium. I'd like to play more frequently.

In the end, I'll return to Brazil. I came to a consensus among my loved ones about what was most important to me.

Since joining Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, the former Brazil international has won four Premier League championships and six League Cups.

Pep Guardiola learned about Fernandinho's possible departure from Manchester City's press conference soon after the club captain.

In response to a question concerning Fernandinho's likely departure from the team, Guardiola responded, "Oh! Nobody told me.

"You give me the news. I didn't hear it.

"We will see what happens. I don't know what will happen. He is so important. I'll ask him."

The City boss added: "At the end of the season we talk, maybe it's because of his family. I would love it. We will talk."

Fernandinho lifting the Premier league trophy.

Pep Guardiola claimed Fernandinho, who he regarded as a 'great player for Manchester City', was still an important part of City's Premier League title-winning team even after he made his final appearance for the club against Sporting in early March.

Guardiola was quoted as saying: "This season's character - I appreciate how the individuals behind the scenes act.

"In the background, he manages a number of our best players and superstars for the greater good of the club.

Atletico Madrid and Manchester City will meet in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, with City holding a tiny 1-0 advantage courtesy to Kevin De Bruyne's goal at the Etihad Stadium.

Ruben Dias, the team's backup defender, has returned to training and will travel with the rest of the team, according to Guardiola.

Injuries to his thigh have kept the Portugal defender out since the beginning of March.

Guardiola made the following statement: "Dias travels with us and the rest of the group, and everyone is in good health.

"He could play on Wednesday; I'm not sure. He works out once a week for six weeks, then takes a break... It's great that he's back, and we have a busy schedule left until the season ends.

"It's going to be a big deal for everyone."


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