MANCHESTER CITY’S Fernandinho announced today that he will not continue playing for the club after the end of this season and that he instead plans to return to his home country.

Speaking in the club’s pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid, he gave a simple response when asked if he would extend his contract: “I don’t think so.”

The Brazilian midfielder noted his lack of game time as a key reason for leaving the club, with him having only had 11 starts this season.

“I want to play,” he added. “I will go back to Brazil. I decided with my family, which is the most important thing for me.”

Pep Guardiola was left shocked when asked about the news, having not been given prior notice by the midfielder.

The manager said: “We will see what will happen at the end of the season. I said many times we will see what happens.

“We are going to play tomorrow for him and give him the best farewell moment, reaching again the semi-final of the Champions League, and try to go through again.”