Pep Guardiola has confirmed hopes that Fernandinho will sign a new deal at Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are ready to extend the Brazil international’s stay at the Etihad after six and half trophy-laden years.
Guardiola previously claimed he would wait until the end of the season to make a decision on the 34-year-old’s future. But with Fernandinho free to talk to clubs abroad from this month, City’s hierarchy are keen to tie him down to a new contract for at least another year.
Guardiola confirmed it is now in the hands of sporting director Txiki Begiristain.
“It’s Txiki – it’s not my issue,” he said. “I’d like it to happen. I’m delighted with the three years we’ve had together.
“He didn’t have to convince me, he convinced me on day one of the three years together. He doesn’t do anything special – it’s his age, his desire and how he’ll finish the season.
“He knows the opinion we have about what he’s done at the club, one of the greatest players this club has had in the whole history.
“It depends on the club with his contract.”
