'I didn’t know. You gave me the news. I didn’t hear it.'
Pep Guardiola was left surprised after being informed by a journalist that midfielder Fernandinho had revealed his intention to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Brazilian is out of contract in the summer and informed reporters in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of City's Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Fernandinho, who has been with the Premier League powerhouse since 2013, has made 373 appearances for City, scoring 25 goals.
https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1513856348890406912
Asked if he would be at the club next season, he said: "I don't think so. I want to play. I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important thing for me."
The midfielder was then quizzed on whether he was surprised he had not played more this season, with Fernandinho responding: "After nine years and maybe after the 2018-19 season, when I changed my position, maybe that could be one of the reasons.
"It was hard for me to recover it [his position]. With age, it's hard for me but I put myself in a position to try to help the team as I have always done."
'I didn't know' - Guardiola
City boss Guardiola’s press conference followed and when told about the Brazilian's revelation, the surprised manager was clearly caught off guard.
https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1513862513439485958
"Sorry?….Oh! I didn’t know. You gave me the news. I didn’t hear it," said Guardiola.
"We will see what happens at the end of the season. I don’t know what will happen."
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"The role he plays this season, I like the people who behave behind the scenes. I know what he has done, behind me, he handles many of our players and stars for the benefit of the team.
"I praise him and he was here when I arrive. Raheem, Kevin, John, a few players. We know him well, from day one to now always here. An incredible player for Man City. There are things nobody knows but I know exactly."
Fernandinho's success at City
Fernandinho, who signed a one-year contract extension last June, has won four Premier League titles and six League Cups since joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.
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