Manchester City legend Fernandinho returns to Brazil's Athletico Paranaense

Fernandinho completes Paranaense return [Twitter]

Veteran midfielder Fernandinho has returned to his former club Athletico Paranaense after parting ways with Manchester City.

The 37-year-old arrives as a free agent and will be tied to the Brazilian Serie A club until December 2024.

"It gives me great satisfaction to say that I'm coming home," Fernandinho told a news conference.

"I had numerous proposals from several different clubs in Brazil and elsewhere but the most sensible decision was to return here. I hope to apply the knowledge that I've gained from all of these years in Europe."

Fernandinho, who has been capped 53 times for Brazil, began his professional career at Curitiba-based Athletico Paranaense in 2002 before joining Shakhtar Donetsk in 2005.

His performances for the Ukrainian club attracted City scouts and he moved to the Premier League club in 2013 for a reported fee of 34 million British pounds (around 46 million U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate).

He made 383 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions and gained a reputation as one of the most reliable holding midfielders in Europe. ■