Fernandinho: Manchester City sign Brazilian midfielder from Shakhtar
Manchester City have completed the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho for a fee of about £30m.
The 28-year-old, capped five times by Brazil, has signed a four-year deal, ending an eight-year stay in Ukraine.
Fernandinho is City's first summer signing while the club have also struck a deal for Sevilla winger Jesus Navas.
The Blues, who are still without a manager after Roberto Mancini left the club, are expected to appoint Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini next week.
Who is Fernandinho?
- Full name: Fernando Luis Roza.
- Clubs: Atletico Paranaense (2002-2005); Shakhtar Donetsk (2005-2013)
- Total club appearances: 385
- Total club goals: 68
- International caps (Brazil): 5
"My ambition here is to win the
title. The team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and
the supporters," said Fernandinho.
"Playing for a huge club in a huge league makes me so
happy. I hope I will be able to repay City for what they have done for
me.
"I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more.
"I know I will face challenges but I am prepared for them. Every player at a high level faces pressure and must respond and I am ready for that too."
Fernandinho has Champions League experience and scored against Chelsea in the group stages of last season's competition.
The Ukrainian champions were eliminated in the last 16, losing 5-2 on aggregate to eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
Fernandinho has tasted European success with Shakhtar however, as part of the team that won the Uefa Cup in 2009.
Did you know?
Fernandinho completed more dribbles in the 2012-13 Champions League than any other player.Source: Opta Sports
He previously played for Brazilian side Clube Atletico Paranaense, moving to Europe in 2005.
City's previous business with Shakhtar includes signing
Fernandinho's compatriot Elano, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium from
Ukraine in 2007, and Mexican forward Nery Castillo, who joined on loan
in 2008.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak signalled last week that fresh investment was forthcoming as City attempt to regain the Premier League title that they lost to city rivals Manchester United last season.
"Will there be new signings? Absolutely. This is going to be a very important year for us," he said.
Former manager Mancini criticised the club's hierarchy last summer for failing to secure his first-choice transfer targets.
From bbcnews
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