Fernandinho has named the toughest opponent he has faced - and his answer may surprise Man City fans.
Despite coming up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe during his seven-years at the Etihad, the Brazilian has revealed the “most difficult” opponent he has faced to date was Diego Costa.
The former Chelsea forward is well-known for playing the role of the pantomime villain and there is certainly no love lost between the two.
Back in 2017, Fernandinho was sent off in injury time in a game between the two at the Etihad after pushing Cesc Fabregas over an advertising hoarding following a bust-up that involved Costa.
A year before that incident, and the two clashed during an international match after the City man caught the now Atletico Madrid star with an elbow.
“The most difficult players I've faced are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe - all of them are so good and they cause a lot of problems to defenders,” Fernandinho told the Philadelphia Union coach Kleberson in a Q&A session.
“But for me, one of the most difficult guys I’ve faced was Diego Costa when he was with Chelsea.
“He was in good shape. I hope I can face them again.”
