Former Manchester City captain Fernandinho has officially retired from professional football, ending a remarkable 23-year career, the 40-year-old confirmed in an interview on Wednesday, November 20.

“I’m already very tired. I’ve run for over thirty minutes today and I’m completely exhausted. Football can no longer motivate me; I’ve achieved so much and enjoyed every moment. Now it’s time to spend more time with my family,” Fernandinho said.

The Brazilian midfielder began his journey in 2002 with Athletico Paranaense, quickly rising from a talented teenager to one of the club’s most notable exports. In 2005, he joined Shakhtar Donetsk for 7 million euros, where he became a key figure in the midfield and helped the Ukrainian club enjoy one of its most successful eras.

Manchester City secured his services in the summer of 2013 for 40 million euros. Over nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Fernandinho became the backbone of the team, guiding successive generations of City squads to dominate English football. His leadership, tactical intelligence, and timing in midfield made him a fixture in the club’s most successful era.

In 2022, he returned to Brazil to rejoin Athletico Paranaense, aiming to conclude his career where it began. Following the expiration of his contract in January, Fernandinho’s retirement announcement, long anticipated by fans, became official.