Pep Guardiola: 'Fernandinho is crucial to Manchester City'

Fernandinho leaves the field after seeing red during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Burnley on January 2, 2017
© SilverHub
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is delighted with Fernandinho and hints at the Brazilian getting a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised midfielder Fernandinho and suggested that he is in line to get a new contract.

The Brazil international has been a crucial member of the Spaniard's team this season, but his chequered disciplinary record has seen him suspended for eight games in all competitions.

"I am so happy with him and would be delighted if he continues for a long time here," Guardiola said of the 31-year-old on Wednesday.

"He has one more year on his contract. It's not just in my mind, but the club's mind. He's an important player for us.

"He's not an aggressive player. He's a tough, intense player, like English football is. He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met and when you are one of the nicest guys off the pitch, you are on the pitch."

Fernandinho joined Man City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.

A general shot of the corner flag at the Etihad Stadium prior to Manchester City's Premier League clash with Middlesbrough on November 5, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea24192351173459
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs24148246163050
3Manchester CityMan City24154549292049
4Arsenal24145552282447
5Liverpool24137452302246
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd24129336211545
7Everton24117640271340
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2410683229336
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham2494113241-931
10Watford2486102940-1130
11Stoke CityStoke247892936-729
12Burnley2492132635-929
13Southampton2476112431-727
14Bournemouth2475123547-1226
15Middlesbrough2449111927-821
16Leicester CityLeicester2456132441-1721
17Swansea CitySwansea2463152954-2521
18Hull City2455142247-2520
19Crystal Palace2454153245-1319
20Sunderland2454152442-1819