Former Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has signed for Brazilian side Atlético Paranaense, with the 37-year-old returning to the club where he began his football career.
“Welcome again, Fernandinho,” Atletico wrote on Twitter on Monday after the player signed a two-year contract, according to local media, to return to the club after 17 years.
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“We have received many proposals from many different clubs from Brazil and abroad. But the wisest decision is to go home and try to do my best here at Atletico,” the 37-year-old told reporters at a news conference.
😍🌪️ Pim Vendo de Volta, Tweet embed!
welcome back, Tweet embed!^ Jose Tramontin/sportsico.com.br #BemVindoFernandinho #WelcomeFernandinho pic.twitter.com/2MkzBmoWWX
– Athletico Paranaense (AthleticoPR) 27 June 2022
“I am fulfilling a personal wish, a dream to wear the Atletico shirt again. To mark that I will end my career playing for only three clubs: two in Europe and one in Brazil.”
Fernandinho, who has helped City win four Premier League titles – including a 2021-22 title – and six League Cups since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, said in April he had no plans to stay beyond the season.
City confirmed the departure of the former Brazil international in May as he was preparing for his last game against Aston Villa in his last league game of the season.
