Fernandinho has sealed an emotional return to Athletico Paranaense for 17 years after losing his contract in Manchester City.
The legend of the citizens, who participated 383 times in nine years at Etihad, signed a two-year contract at Arena da Baishada.
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Former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho moved up the ranks of his boyhood club before making his professional debut in 2002.
The 37-year-old spent three years with his first team in Brazilian costumes before leaving for Ukraine in 2005.
However, after declining offers from multiple clubs, he decided to link with boss Luiz Felipe Scolari on his old springboard.
At the unveiling ceremony on Monday, the samba star said: “No doubt, I’m fulfilling my personal wish, the dream of wearing an athletic shirt again.
“We have made numerous suggestions from several different clubs in Brazil and abroad.
“But the wisest decision was to go home and do our best here in Athletico right now.
“Establish a brand that will end my career playing in only three clubs, two in Europe and one in Brazil.
“I am very happy. I thank my family for always supporting me in this decision.
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“Not only my heart, but all of us were to speak loudly at that moment.”
President Mario Serso Petralia said:
“We have been in contact for the last few years since he was sold to Shakhtar Donetsk. We are following his wonderful career.
“He was the most prominent athlete of those who passed here without penalizing others.
“Cleverson was a five-time world champion, but Fernandinho didn’t have a career to grow.
“It will help this level of change we are working on. It was not easy to put in Fernandinho. From the first moment he showed that his intention was to return to Athletico. rice field.
“But the pressure of the whole world and some Brazilian clubs to put him in a group. He remained loyal and was made by a good son at home.”