Fernandinho may finally call time on his Manchester City career this summer after surprising Pep Guardiola during the week.
Signed back in 2013 by Manuel Pellegrini as a 28-year-old, the Brazilian has defied father time and continued to perform impressively for Pep Guardiola following a change in position.
Fernandinho arrived as a defensive midfielder, but often looked the best defender at the club when they faced a backline crisis.
Despite playing just a hand full of games this season the 36-year-old is still the club's captain. Testament to his efforts in and around the club that he retains that status despite featuring in less than half of City's Premier League games. His presence may be called upon in the coming weeks, as it was on Wednesday night.
With Guardiola's team under the cosh in Madrid the Catalan called upon Fernandinho in the second-half as he attempted to keep his side composed. That experience and know how will no doubt be crucial in the Premier League title run-in, with City looking to retain a one-point lead over Liverpool - where have we heard that before.
Fernandinho's status is underlined, not just by his reputation among his teammates, but among rival players.
The midfield anchor plays international football with Reds trio Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino. The City star has been in England longer than all of them and has continued to be hospitable to Portuguese-speaking players over the years.
The Liverpool threesome know Fernandinho as "our captain", according to The Times, such is his reputation. The rivalry between City and the Reds is incredible good natured with minimal hostility, but to have such admiration from opposition players is still a glowing reflection on the City veteran.
Fernandinho has made over 370 appearances since arriving for £34m. He featured over 40 times in each of his first seven seasons, only dropping below that number last term. Signed as a defensive midfielder, the Brazilian has transitioned effectively.
Following the domestic treble success of 2019 and Vincent Kompany's departure City saw their centre-half options decimated by injury. Fernandinho dropped back, often looking the most accomplished defender on the pitch, making a mockery of his lack of experience. He and Rodri once started as a defensive duo in a win at Crystal Palace, underlining the pair's quality with the transition seamless.
Fernandinho's contribution has rarely, if ever, been measured in goals. During his City career he's bagged 25 times, but often his unseen work is what most impressed his teammates. He has claimed four league titles, six Carabao Cups and an FA Cup. A trophy haul that could still be added to.
The 2-2 draw last weekend means the Manchester outfit hold a slender advantage with seven games left as they eye a fourth league title in five seasons. They, on paper, would appear to have the easier run-in. Liverpool still need to face Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton - although the latter of that trio are desperately out of form.
City and Liverpool will also square off in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The Reds can still claim an unprecedented quadruple this term having already captured the Carabao Cup. If they do they will need to overcome City in at least two competitions.
That could become three if they both win their respective Champions League semi-finals. Liverpool face Villarreal whilst City need to overcome Real Madrid. A European triumph for Fernandinho would be the perfect swan song after hee spoke openly about his future this week.
Who will win the FA Cup semi-final this weekend? Let us know in the comments
When asked if he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium to play more, he replied: "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." That caught out his manager, who said upon hearing the news: "Oh! I didn't know. 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."
However Fernandinho, befitting his reputation, has put talk of his next move to bed, underlining his commitment with a huge six weeks ahead.
He said: "My focus is 100% on winning all the titles we are playing for and I will only talk about my future at the end of the season. Let’s keep pushing!"
