Fernandinho bid to leave on high

FERNANDINHO has revealed the pressure of taking the captaincy from Manchester City legends before he bids farewell to the club. The midfielder (right), who can win a fifth Premier League title at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow with a win over Aston Villa, followed Vincent Kompany and David Silva in wearing the armband from 2020. Both Silva and Kompany have statues in their honour outside the stadium, with City planning to commemorate Fernandinho’s nine-year stay with a lasting tribute at the training ground. ‘Obviously when Vinnie went and then David, the players and the staff chose me to be captain,’ he said. ‘It was an honour and privilege for me. I think the position itself, you are already under pressure, especially after two legends. ‘They have been winners and legends for this club, the captains, and it was a big responsibility.’ Fernandinho is set to sign for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Athletico Paranaense back in his Brazilian homeland this summer, but admitted he could return to Manchester in the future. The 37-year-old veteran has been busy taking his coaching badges. ‘My family and I, we were always treated really well here in Manchester,’ he added. ‘My kids are going to be City fans for sure. You never know in the future. ‘Maybe I could come back here to spend more time in Manchester.’