Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hailed a 'perfect' tribute to departing club captain Fernandinho ahead of his final game for the Blues.
Fernandinho will call time on a long spell at City after this season when his contract expires, when he is expected to return to Brazil. In honour of his service to the club, City have unveiled a mosaic of Fernandinho at the City Football Academy and named a training pitch after him. He will play his final game for City, if selected, against Aston Villa on Sunday, and could lift the Premier League trophy for a fifth time after the game.
The honour sees him follow in the footsteps of other club levels including Yaya Toure, Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero. Unveiling the new mosaic, chairman Khaldoon said Fernandinho had served City with distinction.
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“This is the perfect tribute to Fernandinho, a player who has served this club with distinction over a nine-year period. He is a player who has earned everyone’s respect, not just for his performances, which have always been of a consistently high level, but also his attitude and application," the chairman said.
"He is a true professional. To play so many matches and win 12 trophies – with the chance to win another Premier League title in his final game – is testament to his ability. His place in Manchester City history is assured. He deserves this tribute and I hope every young footballer who sees this mosaic is inspired by the career he has had.”
The image depicted shows Fernandinho's celebration after his 2017/18 goal of the season against Stoke at the Etihad, and the captain said: “To have a mosaic and pitch in my honour here at the City Football Academy is an incredible gesture, and I very grateful to the Club. I could never have imagined this when I signed.
“It’s been an amazing period of my life and coming to Manchester City was the best decision I have ever made. This is a special way to bring an end to my time here.”
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