Manchester City legend announces retirement – Midfielder says “nothing motivates me anymore”

One of Manchester City’s greatest midfielders has called time on his career. Fernandinho, a five-time Premier League champion at the Etihad, confirmed his retirement in Brazil on Wednesday night.

The announcement came during a charity match at Athletico Paranaense’s stadium, as reported by Globo Esporte, and ends the playing days of a figure who defined an era for City.

The 40-year-old has not played since December 2024, when he featured in Athletico’s relegation match against Atletico Mineiro. Asked whether he might return to the professional game, Fernandinho was clear that the chapter is closed. 

“I’m already tired. I ran for thirty-something minutes today and I’m exhausted. There’s nothing in football that motivates me anymore. I’ve achieved everything I could. Now it’s time to enjoy my family”, he said.

He had hinted at this ending earlier in the year. In the Manchester City-produced documentary “Life After Football”, Fernandinho admitted that the idea of retirement gave him “chills”, though he avoided committing to a decision at the time.

The midfielder also touched again on his departure from Athletico at the start of the year. The club opted not to renew his deal, and he framed the separation as natural, stressing respect and gratitude. 

“We didn’t reach an agreement for a new contract, and that’s the most natural thing in the world. I’ve never hidden my gratitude, my respect and affection for Athletico, especially their fans”, he concluded.

Fernandinho’s legacy remains enormous. Before returning to Brazil, he won trophies at Shakhtar Donetsk and became a central pillar of Manchester City’s rise under Pep Guardiola. 

His honours include five Premier League titles, six League Cups, an FA Cup, two Community Shields, six Ukrainian championships, a UEFA Cup and a Copa América.