Fernandinho signs one-year contract extension

New deal will see Brazilian international remain at The Etihad until 2021

Fernandinho has signed a new one-year contract extension that will see him remain at The Etihad until 2021, the club announced today.

The Brazilian international joined the Blues in 2013 in a £30m deal from Shakhtar Donetsk, and has made 299 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals in the process.

“This is the best possible news,” he said. “I want to take this opportunity to put on record how grateful I am to my teammates and the backroom staff here at City. Without them, this deal would not be possible, so sincere thanks to every single one of them.

“I have enjoyed every second of my time here. I never expected to build such a meaningful relationship with the Club and the fans, but it has happened, and I am grateful every single day.

“Our fans are unbelievable; I am so happy that I will continue to play for them a year longer. I feel their love and passion and it genuinely helps keep me driven.

“My focus now is on making sure we continue to be successful. My time here has been decorated by silverware, but under Pep’s guidance we have really accelerated. I want that to carry on for as long as possible.”

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “This new deal reflects Fernandinho’s quality and commitment. He is not only a first-class professional and one of the best players in world football, he is a fantastic person who leads by example every single day.

“We have a talented young squad – but making sure they are supplemented by senior players of Fernandinho’s ilk is of paramount importance. What he brings in terms of leadership and professionalism is valued by everyone at the football club.

“He is a player with outstanding technical quality, and his appreciation of the game allows him to play multiple positions. He is also a player without ego, someone who values his teammates and recognises the importance of the squad.”