Fernandinho Announces Retirement After Historic Manchester City And Brazil Career

‎Fernandinho has officially retired from football at the age of 40, bringing his illustrious career full circle at Athletico-PR, the club where it all began.

‎The Brazilian midfielder enjoyed major success in Europe and played a key role for the national team. He bid farewell to the sport during a charity match at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba on Wednesday.

‎”I’m already tired. I got tired just running for a little over 30 minutes today. There’s nothing in football that motivates me anymore; I’ve achieved everything I wanted in the sport.

‎”I made the most of every opportunity. Now, it’s time to enjoy life with my family,” said the now former player.

‎Fernandinho’s final official appearance carries painful memories for Athletico-PR fans, as it came in the 1-0 loss to Atlético-MG at Independência on the last day of the 2024 Brasileirão.

‎That defeat confirmed Furacão’s relegation. He finished the season with 46 matches played, eight goals, and seven assists.

‎Fernandinho at Manchester City

‎Beyond his legendary status at Athletico-PR, Fernandinho became a Manchester City icon.

‎He spent nine years with the club, making 383 appearances, scoring 26 goals, and lifting 12 trophies. Many regard him as the greatest Brazilian to ever grace the Premier League.

‎In addition to Athletico-PR and City, Fernandinho also played for Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won six Ukrainian league titles and a UEFA Cup, now known as the Europa League.

‎With the Brazilian national team, Fernandinho earned 53 caps and found the net twice. He contributed to Brazil’s squads at the 2014 World Cup in his home country and the 2018 edition in Russia.