Fernandinho rejoins Athletico Paranaense from Man City | OneFootball

Long-serving Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has rejoined former club Athletico Paranaense in his native Brazil.

Fernandinho is set to leave City on a free transfer at the end of June upon the expiry of his contract, bringing to an end a trophy-laden nine-year spell with the Premier League champions.

The 37-year-old revealed the decision to return to his home country back in April - even taking manager Pep Guardiola by surprise - saying: "Yes, I want to play. I will go back to Brazil, for sure. I've decided with my family, it's the most important for me."

90min understands the club legend was offered a coaching role with the Citizens, but he has instead decided to continue his playing career back where it all began.

Fernandinho has rejoined Athletico Paranaense, whom he left for Shakhtar Donetsk way back in 2005. He is believed to have signed a two-year contract with the club from Curitiba.

The midfielder began his career with Paranaense, making 72 appearances and finishing as a runner-up in the Brazilian top flight in 2004 and the Libertadores da America a year later.

The former Brazil international had become a bit-part player in recent seasons at the Etihad Stadium as he entered the twilight of his career. He eventually lost his regular starting place in the team following the arrival of Rodri from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

However, the veteran still leaves City with five Premier League titles to his name having been a key player for the best part of a decade, as well as an FA Cup winner's medal and multiple EFL Cup successes.

City have already lined up a replacement for the outgoing stalwart, with a £45m deal agreed with Leeds for their England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips.