Former Brazil and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho retires at 40 after winning five Premier League titles and the 2019 Copa America.
CURITIBA: Former Brazil midfielder Fernandinho has announced his retirement from professional football at age 40.
The defensive midfielder confirmed his decision to reporters on Wednesday evening following a charity match in his hometown.
“There’s nothing left to motivate me in football, I’ve already achieved everything I wanted to,” Fernandinho stated.
He added that he now plans to focus on family life, saying “Now it’s time to enjoy my family.”
Fernandinho’s 23-year career began and concluded with Athletico Paranaense in Curitiba.
His professional journey included eight successful seasons with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
The midfielder then enjoyed nine seasons with Manchester City from 2013 to 2022.
During his time in England, Fernandinho won five Premier League titles with Manchester City.
He also secured six league championships during his spell with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Internationally, Fernandinho earned 53 caps for the Brazilian national team.
He was part of Brazil’s 2019 Copa America-winning squad in his home country.
The midfielder also won the 2003 under-20 World Cup with Brazil’s youth team.
Fernandinho returned to Athletico Paranaense in 2022 before being released on New Year’s Day 2025. – AFP
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