Man City unveil special tribute to departing captain Fernandinho | OneFootball

Manchester City have unveiled a tribute to departing captain Fernandinho.

Fernandinho will call it time on the stories Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract expires and is expected to return to Brazil.

In recognition of his nine years at the club Fernandinho was presented with a mosaic inspired by his goal in City's 7-2 victory over Stoke City in 2017 on Sunday morning.

Fernandinho's goal won the Club's Goal of the Season award for the 2017-2018 season and will now be remembered at the 80-acre City Football Academy for years to come.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "This is the perfect tribute to Fernandinho, a player who has served this club with distinction over a nine-year period.

"He is a player who has earned everyone's respect, not just for his performances, which have always been of a consistently high level, but also his attitude and application. He is a true professional.

"To play so many matches and win 12 trophies – with the chance to win another Premier League title in his final game – is testament to his ability.

"His place in Manchester City history is assured. He deserves this tribute and I hope every young footballer who sees this mosaic is inspired by the career he has had."

Fernandinho added: "To have a mosaic and pitch in my honour here at the City Football Academy is an incredible gesture, and I am very grateful to the Club. I could never have imagined this when I signed.

"It's been an amazing period of my life and coming to Manchester City was the best decision I have ever made. This is a special way to bring an end to my time here."

Fernandinho is set to sign for Luiz Felipe Scolari's Athletico Paranaense back in his Brazilian homeland this summer, but admitted he could return to Manchester in the future.