Fernandinho signs new Manchester City contract until 2020

Published on: 19 January 2018

Arsene Wenger took a swipe at Man City by suggesting he respected rivals Man United for paying for players with their own resources. Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's loss to Liverpool is more proof the title race has yet to be decided in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola congratulated Liverpool on their victory against Man City, but said his players got too involved in the Anfield atmosphere.

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the club until 2020.

The Brazilian midfielder was out of contact at the end of the season but sources told ESPN FC earlier in the season that the club had opened talks over a new deal.

Fernandinho, 32, who joined from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 for £30million, believes he is playing the best football of his career.

"The main thing for me is going to be to stay here and try to win as many trophies as we can. I'm very, very happy to sign a new deal and to stay at this club," he said.

"It's been a long journey since I joined and we're going to continue going forward, trying to win trophies. This is the main target for me and the club.

"I think I've improved a lot, especially this season. It's my second year under Pep and of course I've improved a lot, with my teammates, the whole team has improved.

"The way we've played this season, everyone is happy, especially our fans. They come to the games to enjoy, to see us play and of course when you play at this level, it's good."

Pep Guardiola has been impressed with Fernandinho's form -- describing him as one of the best three holding midfielders in the world.

And he says he has thrived on the extra responsibility given to him by the City manager having made 30 appearances in all competitions already this season.

"I am so glad to hear this kind of comment from him," he added. "He has worked with a lot of great players, a lot of quality players, intelligent players, so when you hear something like that you know you have to keep going the way you are now because if someone like him says that you know you are doing the right things.

"He knows the position very well. Since he joined here we have had a lot of conversations about tactics and movement, the way I can control and pass the ball, the way I keep my position, the way I help the team attack, the way I help the team keep the balance between attack and defence.

"There's a lot of conversation about that because he knows exactly what is the best thing to do in that position so I just have to listen to him and try to do my best."

Fernandinho is the third senior City player in recent weeks to sign contract extensions following new deals for David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi.

Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne are also expected to be offered improved deals in the New Year while talks are expected to open with Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane.

Jonathan is ESPN FC's Manchester City correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @jonnysmiffy.

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Source: espn.co.uk

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