Football : Manchester City legend Fernandinho returns to his roots in Brazil at Athletico Paranaense

Fernandinho left Manchester City this summer, leaving on a high after winning the Premier League for the fourth time.

After initially representing the club from 2002 to 2005, the now-former Manchester City captain will return to his homeland to sign with Athletico.

Fernandinho, who joined Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 and has helped them win four Premier League titles, including the 2021-22 title and six League Cups, stated in April that he did not intend to stay beyond the season.

The former Brazil international announced his departure from Manchester City in May, preparing to play his final match for the club in their last league fixture.

Former Brazilian player said he was considering offers from different clubs but had a "personal wish to wear the Athletico shirt again."

Seventeen years after leaving Athletico for Shakhtar Donetsk, the five-time Premier League winner returns to Athletico.

"We had numerous proposals, from several different clubs, from Brazil and abroad," said Fernandinho… But the most sensible decision was to return home and try to deliver my best here at Athletico.

"Establish a brand that will end my career playing for just three clubs: two in Europe and one in Brazil. I'm very happy; I thank my family, which has always supported me in this decision," Fernandinho said. "Not only my heart, but all of us ended up speaking louder at that moment."

Why is Fernandinho a legend at Manchester City?

The midfielder joined City in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk and spent nearly a decade with the Premier League club.

He appeared in 338 games for City, appearing at least 33 times in each of his four seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

By the end of his Manchester career, the midfielder had won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and six League Cups and was named to the PFA Team of the Year in 2018-19.

Fernandinho returns to Athletico Paranense, where he began his professional career.

The Brazilian had previously played 72 times for the club, scoring 14 goals, before joining Shakhtar in 2005 to begin a nearly two-decade European career.

In a meeting shared by Manchester City, Fernandinho credited Pep Guardiola with reigniting his love for football.

Fernandinho ended his glittering City career this summer after nine years at the club, leaving the club's most decorated player with 13 trophies.

The Brazilian was well-liked by teammates, coaches, and fans alike, but he chose to let his contract expire and return to Brazil.

In response, Manchester City released a trailer for a documentary following Fernandinho's final days at the Manchester City Football Academy. The documentary includes interviews with directors, players, and Fernandinho himself.