Fernandinho completes the circle after eight years of Shakhtar Donetsk and nine years of Manchester City. The 37-year-old Brazilian returns to Athletico Paranaense in his native country after seventeen years, the club announces Monday.
Fernandinho took his first steps as a professional footballer at Athletico Paranaense, before leaving for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2005. The controlling midfielder was offered by Manchester City to orient himself on a trainer career, but continues as a footballer for a few more years. On Monday, he signed a permanent contract until the end of 2024.
Athletico Paranaense will logically become the last stop in the career of the 53-time international. “It has always been my dream to wear Athletico‘s shirt again one day. I will soon look back on a career in which I played for three clubs: two in Europe and one in Brazil”, he says after his return. “I’ve had countless offers, inside and outside of Brazil. But this was the most sensible decision: back home.”
😍🌪️ Bem vindo de volta, @fernandinho! Welcome back, @fernandinho! 📸 Jose Tramontin/athletico.com.br #BemVindoFernandinho #WelcomeFernandinho pic.twitter.com/2mkZbMOwwx
— Athletico Paranaense (@AthleticoPR) June 27, 2022