Fernandinho has said he feels good playing in central defence for Manchester City but knows he can improve in the unfamiliar position.
Injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones at the beginning of the season have meant Fernandinho has had to fill in in a deeper role on occasions, with summer signing Rodri taking his position at the base of City's midfield.
“I feel good,” Fernandinho said of his new position. “Of course, I have the help of my teammates and manager. It’s been great for me, trying to do my best as always since I signed for City.
“Sometimes you feel you have to improve a little bit – but that’s beauty of football. You can. Every morning, you can make it happen.”
Fernandinho turns 35 this season but he is not thinking about hanging up his boots any time soon.
“I just thank God for that because he gave me a body for it,” Fernandinho told City's website. “Of course, I have to take care of myself, but the staff help take care of us.
“We have a really good team behind the scenes, and this helps us a lot. We prepare first the mind, then the body and then just go.
“I always say I will play until my mind allows me. If I am happy and motivated to train every day fresh, I will play, but I don’t want to say I will be 37, 38…we will see.”
The midfielder was full of praise for Raheem Sterling, who is City's top scorer this season with 14 goals - one more than Sergio Aguero.
“He is taking the chances we create,” he said. “That’s good because we create a lot.
“Most games we create a lot and the players we have know this. He gets it really well. He has improved a lot scoring goals.
“He grew up as a player and a person, has more experience now. It’s good for him and us.
“I hope he carries on growing and improving.”
