Fern: Title destiny is down to us

MANCHESTER CITY captain Fernandinho reckons the only team that can stop Pep Guardiola’s men from retaining the title are themselves.

The Brazilian midfielder said: “We will try to play our type of football game and we will try to perform at the same level again.

“Obviously, we will try to improve on last season.

“All the opponents have invested, they have bought new players, they changed their sides a little bit and it is going to be a tough task this season.

“I think the biggest challenge can be us.

“If you relax and you ou think the job is done, this is the biggest mistake.

“If we keep going, the same way we have e kept going since last season, I think we have a great chance of becoming champions again.”

Fernandinho (above) resisted going on holiday abroad after deciding to take up City’s offer of a 12-month contract extension.

He said: “I enjoyed my summer in Manchester, it wasn’t bad. Obviously, with the kids at school, we cannot go anywhere with the restrictions from the government, so I chose to stay here.

“After eight years, I believe I am a Mancunian – or mostly Mancunian!

“Me and my family have settled so well here and, year by year, we start to understand a bit more about the culture, the people, the way they like to live here and how respectful they are.

“I have a special feeling about Mancunian people.”