was left surprised by news of Fernandinho revealing he’s leaving at the end of the season.
The Brazilian midfielder is out of contract in the summer and decided to reveal the news to reporters in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of their quarter-final clash with tomorrow night.
Guardiola’s press conference followed and when told about Fernandinho’s revelation the surprised manager was clearly caught off guard.
‘Sorry?….Oh! I didn’t know. You gave me the news. I didn’t hear it,’ said the City boss.
‘We will see what happens at the end of the season. I don’t know what will happen.
‘The role he plays this season, I like the people who behave behind the scenes. I know what he has done, behind me, he handles many of our players and stars for the benefit of the team.
‘I praise him and he was here when I arrive. Raheem, Kevin, John, a few players. We know him well, from day one to now always here. An incredible player for Man City. There are things nobody knows but I know exactly.’
When asked whether he’d have preferred Fernandinho, who turns 37 next month, to have told him about his exit plans in person first, Guardiola added: ‘Maybe Txiki knows and didn’t tell me. I don’t know, it was a surprise.
‘I know his intentions, another player might have benefits or hide something. Fernandinho is not, it happened.
‘I want him to be happy. We play tomorrow for him. Give him the best farewell moment reaching the semi-finals, after try to go through.
‘I understand, play with happiness, if he wants to play it’s understandable. For players until 2023, if a player wants to leave I understand completely, look at Ferran Torres. I don’t want anyone unsatisfied. For his age, for his family in Brazil. The club will help him.’
Fernandinho has been instrumental in City’s prolonged success during his nine years in Manchester but has now made the decision to see out his playing career in his homeland.
When asked if he wants to leave to play more and not turn to coaching he said: ‘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.
‘It’s the same as last season. I don’t play much but I try to take care of the other players.
‘I will help wherever I can, sometimes off the pitch and sometimes on the pitch.’
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