Manchester City loanee Yan Couto has revealed that Fernandinho will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Couto, 18, on loan at Girona after joining from Coritiba this summer, says fellow Brazilian Fernandinho has been in regular contact with him after being introduced when Couto was looking around City's facilities ahead of signing.
35-year-old Fernandinho has been a dedicated servant at the Etihad Stadium, establishing himself as a key part of Pep Guardiola's vastly successful side.
However, the Brazilian sees his contract with City expire at the end of the season and, while it has not been officially confirmed, Couto has stated he will depart next summer.
His comments came as he discussed his close friendship with his compatriot, who made quite an impression on Couto's family when they met in Manchester.
“Fernandinho, to tell you the truth, is a friend of mine, we always exchange messages on WhatsApp. So he’s a guy who’s an example," he told ESPN Brasil, as translated by Sport Witness.
"My whole family liked him very much. I will not be lucky enough to play with him, he will leave this year. But this reception in a new club was really good for me.
"So I think it’s very important to have players of this level, and you can see that he’s a great player for that, on and off the pitch he’s special.”
