Fernandinho Bids Farewell: A 40-Year Masterclass Across City and Beyond

Fernandinho Bids Farewell to Pro Football

Former Manchester City captain Fernandinho, the Brazilian midfielder, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40 after more than two decades in the game.

The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk ace, who also starred for Brazil's national team, delivered the news after featuring in a charity match in Curitiba, saying there is no longer enough motivation to play.

He added that he had already achieved everything he dreamed of, and now it's time to enjoy time with his family.

The veteran midfielder has been without a club since his contract with Atlético Paranaense expired last December.

During his spell with Shakhtar Donetsk, he won six domestic titles and the 2009 UEFA Cup, before moving to Manchester City where he spent nine seasons.

At City, he lifted five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, six League Cups, two Community Shields, and played in the 2021 Champions League final.

He earned 53 Brazil caps and scored two goals, winning the 2003 World Cup U-20 and Copa America 2019.

Mercato: City look to the 2025-26 season with seven signings under Pep Guardiola

City kicked off a busy summer window with a seven-player plan to bolster the squad for 2025-2026, including a trio of goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, and Marcus Bettinelli, joined by young talents Ryan Aït-Nouri, Tijani Reinders, and Ryan Cherki, with an 18-year-old prospect (Sverri Neban) heading on loan to Middlesbrough.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

We asked AI how successful the Italian goalkeeper could be at the Etihad, and the forecast is cautious but optimistic: Donnarumma should thrive, but progress may be gradual.

He possesses the attributes of a big-name keeper: height, quick reflexes, and a strong mindset for big games. His main flaw is his left foot, and Guardiola often treats the goalkeeper as an extension of the midfield, not a separate unit.

If Donnarumma can improve passing precision and quick decision-making, he could become a legendary figure at City.

James Trafford

AI suggests Trafford, a young English stopper aged 22, will need time to secure a starting berth behind Donnarumma, and must sharpen his ball-playing abilities to win Guardiola’s trust.

In a club of City's calibre, he will need to seize cup opportunities and moments when rotation allows him to prove his worth in the Premier League.

Marcus Bettinelli

The 33-year-old veteran is expected to serve as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, bringing leadership and experience to a squad in formation.

Rayan Aït-Nouri

The Algerian-heritage left-back has the technical flair City like, but balancing defensive duties with attacking instincts will be crucial for him to cement a first-team role under Guardiola.

Tijani Reinders

AI sees Reinders thriving at City, thanks to his modern, smart positioning and growth potential. He has already shown signs of contributing with goals and assists, indicating a bright future at the club.

Ryan Cherki

The French attacker brings creative flair and dribbling quality, but his adaptation to Guardiola’s high-press, fast-ball model will determine his long-term role in the team, especially on the flanks and through the center.

The report notes that the City setup emphasizes collective discipline and quick transitions, meaning Cherki’s development will hinge on defensive responsibility and consistent application in training and matches.

In summary, Fernandinho’s retirement marks the end of an era for City—now the challenge shifts to Guardiola’s renewal plan as the club looks to blend experience with a bold, modern squad in the 2025/26 season.

And yes, if City’s midfield ever gets nostalgic, they can always pretend Fernandinho is the finite resource they’re still pretending to replenish. The rest? We’ll let the trophies do the talking.

Sniper-style humour drop #1: Fernandinho once solved a midfield jam by simply passing his way out of it—guess the jam was on the floor. Sniper-style humour drop #2: If patience is a virtue, City’s midfielders just earned a PhD in waiting for the right groove. If football were a comedy show, Fernandinho would have won “Best Supporting Midfielder” every year.”