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Former allrounder credits friend and ex-team-mate for bringing him back to the sport he loves

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-2025Andrew Flintoff has credited his friend and former team-mate Rob Key for creating the conditions that have allowed the England men’s set-up to flourish under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, and says that the team’s positive outlook is a key reason why he wanted to come on board as England Lions head coach.Speaking to the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Flintoff reiterated that Key’s friendship had been a crucial factor in his return to public life, following the horrific car-crash on the set of Top Gear in December 2022.However, it was Key’s vision for English cricket that persuaded Flintoff to make a full return to the sport in a coaching capacity, initially as a consultant for the men’s white-ball squad, and latterly as Lions coach, including for this winter’s tour of Australia, which will run parallel to the main Ashes campaign.The pair have been close friends since their days in the England Under-19 set-up, and Flintoff declared that Key was “England’s best captain never to a captain the side”.”His cricket brain works in a different way to a lot of other people,” he said. “He’s similar to Shane Warne and people like that, they see the game differently.”You’re always going to have your critics. You can go into Wetherspoons down the road, and there’ll be 15 people who know better than Pep Guardiola. Everyone’s got an opinion, but I think he enjoys being the one making the decisions. He loved playing, but by doing this job, he can make an impact, and he wants to do it his way.”I think what they’ve done – himself [Key], Brendon, Stokes, now Harry [Brook]’s taken over in one-day cricket – as a fan, it’s been amazing. The way they play and the players they pick, they seem really good lads from the outside. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I wanted to be involved in this.”English cricket’s going forward. We’re leading the way in a lot of respects, and I want to be a part of that. By doing the Lions, I’m getting a chance to get involved and hopefully bring the next lads through. I’m very much on the same page of what they’re trying to do with England, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.”England head into this winter’s Ashes with Ben Stokes looking to cement his legacy as captain with a first series win in the country since 2010-11. Flintoff himself captained England to a 5-0 loss in the 2006-07 campaign, and while he recognised there were similarities between the two men as players, he insisted Stokes was on a different level as a leader.”I do see similarities, but as a leader, he’s incredible,” Flintoff said. “I captained England, and I was terrible. I really was. It wasn’t for me, but you see him … he’s got that atmosphere. He’s got that aura.Three lions: Steve Harmison, Rob Key and Andrew Flintoff celebrate England’s 2004 series win against West Indies•Getty Images

“One of the things which I prided myself on as a player was, when the game’s on the line, that’s when the best of me came out. And I see that with Ben. Playing against Zimbabwe in Harare, I’m probably not going to at be my best, you know, but in the big moments, that’s when I came alive, and that’s when Ben does.”Both players have been prone to bowling long, punishing spells as captain – with Flintoff once bowling more than 50 overs in a drawn Test against Sri Lanka in 2006.”I just ran myself into the ground,” he said. “I’ve seen him do that a little bit as well, but Ben’s got Baz and good people around him, just to save him from himself. I never had that.”Elsewhere in the interview, Flintoff recalled how Key had helped to coax him back into the public domain, first by inviting to attend the 2023 Ashes series in a private capacity, and then by offering him a chance to work behind the scenes with England’s squads.He admitted that he had been “bricking it” prior to his first involvement with the men’s squad, for their white-ball series against New Zealand in September 2023, at which stage he had still not been seen in public since his crash.However, the welcome he received from the squad reminded Flintoff that “actually, this is this is where I want to be, this is where I feel comfortable”.”Cricket did save me,” he added. “It got me out of the house, and it got me focused on something, but more importantly, surrounded by people who have got something in common. I genuinely love it. I love the culture. It’s so much fun.”

Real Madrid have reportedly abruptly ended their interest in Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate amid his poor form for the club. The France international is in the last year of his contract and so far has shown no signs of extending his stay on Merseyside. However, his hopes of a dream move to Los Blancos appears to be over ahead of the January transfer window.

• Konate issues Liverpool rallying cry amid contract uncertainty

  Last season, Liverpool appeared to be in a huge bind as key trio Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were in the last few months of their Liverpool deals. Fortunately for the Reds, captain Van Dijk and star forward Salah signed new two-year contracts, but Alexander-Arnold chose to leave, before eventually signing for Madrid. Liverpool have reportedly been trying to extend the stay of defender Konate, whose terms run until 2026, but so far, no breakthrough has been struck. The Frenchman was linked with Los Blancos earlier this year, and amid that speculation, he gave a rather coy comment on his future. 

  He said a fortnight ago: "My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it." He also rubbished claims the Reds had approached him with a new contract.

  It seems, however, that this contract uncertainty has led to Konate taking his eye off the ball, with the ex-RB Leipzig man making a string of mistakes this season – the latest of which was in his side's humbling 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. 

  After that loss, he wrote on social media: "We have to take this moment on the chest. Criticism is part of football, and we’ll fight back every time and come through this storm. In these moments, the fans matter most. The ones who stand with us in the good times and the bad – the ones who sing for us even in the difficult moments! Your voice and your support mean everything to us. We know we need to improve and we’ll keep fighting for you. Always."

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  Real Madrid move on from Konate

  According to The Athletic, Liverpool tried to extend Konate's deal way back in 2023. But fast forward to the present and it is uncertain where he will be playing in 2026. The report states that Madrid have informed Liverpool they now have 'no interest' in signing the 26-year-old. That could strengthen the Reds' hand in the contract negotiation stakes, although Konate will be able to talk to foreign clubs in January in regards to a possible pre-contract agreement for the summer. The former Sochaux man has chalked up 150 appearances for Liverpool, and over the years, he has been a competent ally to team-mate and fellow defender Van Dijk. Although his form has nosedived this season, manager Slot continues to pick the 6ft 4in player, partially because they are short on defensive options. Their inability to land Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is looking more and more costly.

• Konate sent Liverpool contract message

  Former Liverpool ace Vladimir Smicer believes that Konate should decide on his Anfield future as soon as possible. If he does that, the Frenchman's form could improve.

  He told BOYLE Sports: "We've seen this last season with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. Two players stayed, one went. Personally, I don't like this situation (with expiring contracts). I think for the players, it's better when they know their future. At the moment, I can't see if Ibrahim Konate is sure about his next move. Anytime he's not performing at the top level, the fans question his contract situation. It's normal, it will always be like this.

  "If you commit your future, then the fans will say, 'Okay, maybe he was not good today' – but because the situation is like this, anytime he makes a mistake, they will say, 'He will go.' That will be in his head. We experienced this situation last season with three players, but personally, when I was playing, I always wanted a long-term contract. It's better for your confidence, for your life, for your position in the team. I knew my future, and I committed to the team. I’d like Konate to decide as soon as possible what he's going to do in the future."

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  What comes next for Konate?

  With Madrid pulling the plug on a potential Konate move, the France ace will hope to fire Liverpool to victory this weekend away at lowly West Ham. Subsequent games against Sunderland and Leeds United could reportedly determine the fate of Reds boss Slot.

If this is to be the end of Martin O’Neill’s brief return, what a way to sign off.

On Thursday night, Celtic ended a 16-match, four-year-long winless streak in European away games by beating Feyenoord 3-1 at De Kuip, coming back from a goal down to do so; Yang Hyun-jun, Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren all on target.

This means O’Neill has won five of six matches since being parachuted into the role following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation.

The 73-year-old, alongside Shaun Maloney, is set to remain in charge when the Celts visit Easter Road to take on Hibernian on Sunday lunchtime, but there is optimism that Wilfried Nancy will take over soon, potentially in time for the visit of Dundee on Wednesday.

Once the Frenchman does swap Ohio for Glasgow, one of Celtic’s breakout stars from this season could well become a key figure, currently on course to replicate an active club legend.

Callum McGregor's importance at Celtic

While players, managers and board members come and go, Callum McGregor remains a constant, the heartbeat in both the team and the club as a whole.

Thursday saw the captain make his 540th appearance for the club, starting 21 of 22 matches so far this season, accumulating 1,939 minutes out of a possible 2,040 so far (95%).

When Scott Brown departed in 2021, his leadership and all-around brilliance was supposed to be impossible to replace, but McGregor has transitioned into this role seamlessly, lifting 24 major trophies to date, and it is incomprehensible to imagine a Celtic side without him.

As well as winning back the ball and keeping the team ticking in possession, McGregor continues to produce key moments, lashing home a 95th-minute winner at St Mirren last Saturday night, having scored a similar rocket against Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals earlier this month.

Having joined the club as an eight-year-old, McGregor continues to set an example to all those in the Celtic academy dreaming of representing the first team one day, but who is currently on course to follow in his footsteps?

Celtic's next academy star

Celtic have endured rotten luck in terms of injuries this season.

Cameron Carter-Vickers could be out for the rest of the season following achilles surgery, Jota remains sidelined after rupturing his ACL in April, while Alistair Johnston suffered a torn hamstring against Kairat in August, only to aggravate the issue 26 minutes into his return when Sturm Graz visited Parkhead.

With Johnston, who has been so excellent since joining the club, having started only five matches all season, most would have expected Anthony Ralston to deputise, but it appears as though Colby Donovan has leapfrogged him in the pecking order.

After featuring sporadically during pre-season, scoring against Cork City at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in July, the 19-year-old made his competitive senior debut against Livingston when Rodgers made wholesale changes in between the two legs against Kairat.

Well, since then, he hasn’t really looked back, starting just two Premiership matches, but included in the lineup for four of the five Europa League fixtures, these against Crvena zvezda, Braga, Sturm Graz and now Feyenoord, putting in an excellent display in Rotterdam.

The table below documents how well he has played in Europe so far.

As the table documents, Donovan has been excellent in the Europa League this season, contributing in a wide variety of ways.

The teenager ranks highly for all the in possession metrics, recording an assist for Liam Scales’ crucial equaliser against Sturm Graz, while only Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren have created more big chances, ranked first in terms of goal-creating actions.

Given that incoming manager Nancy deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation, his Columbus Crew side featuring flying wing-backs Max Arfsten and Andrés Herrera, his imminent arrival could be great news for the youngster.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Braga, then-manager Rodgers praised Donovan’s “outstanding” performances, labelling him a “real bright spark” as well as heralding his “personality” and “mentality”.

Well, these all feel like compliments that could be thrown the way of a certain McGregor, whose leadership is as invaluable as his quality to this team.

Thus, it is certainly still early days, but all the signs suggest that Celtic supporters are rightly excited about Donovan, who will go on to have quite the career should he manage to match McGregor’s achievements and make 500+ appearances for the club.

Celtic man was finished under Rodgers, now he can be undroppable for Nancy

Celtic’s wait for a European away win is over, beating Feyenoord 3-1, with a star Brendan Rodgers once labelled “sloppy” playing like an £100m man.

By
Ben Gray

Nov 28, 2025

Broadcast legend Mike Francesa has no shortage of legendary on-air moments.

One particular moment that has stuck in the minds of sports radio fans was his rant to caller “Dan in Warwick,” who asked Francesa if he believed the New York Giants and San Francisco Giants ever hung out together. You know, because they’re both Giants?

Francesa was not amused.

But in a recent promo for Eli Manning’s eponymous show, Francesa leaned into the bit, walking in on a few legends of both the Giants and the Giants, Manning included, as they sat down for a meal together and planned next year’s festivities for their apparent annual meet-up.

“They really do get together,” Francesa says with a smile before closing the door.

Fans loved the moment and celebrated it on social media.

The timing of the clip could not have been better, as the baseball Giants just finished up a series at Citi Field against the Mets.

While it was hardly the acting performance that Francesa put on for , it’s good to know he can play comedy too if called upon.

Shreyas Iyer told him he would be playing all the Punjab Kings matches this season, and that’s freed him up to bat the way he likes best

Ashish Pant12-Apr-20252:37

Jaffer: Hope to see Arya in India colours soon

Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Priyansh Arya is your quintessential T20 cricketer. Young, uninhibited, fearless, whose instincts tell him to hit every ball out of the ground irrespective of the match situation. It’s pretty straightforward. First ball of the innings or last, if the ball is in his zone, it must be out of the ground. A simple see-ball-hit-ball approach.These instincts told him to whack the first ball he faced from Chennai Super Kings’ [CSK] Khaleel Ahmed for six over deep point. It didn’t matter that he had fallen for a golden duck three days prior to that game or that he had a single-digit score in a match before that. He saw the ball in his zone, he took his chance.But what if he had been caught in the deep? What if his instinct was wrong? Wouldn’t back-to-back golden ducks look bad on his young resume?Related

• IPL star Priyansh Arya sets sights on Ranji Trophy

• Unstoppable and unsatisfied: how Punjab Kings marched into their first IPL playoffs in 11 years

• Sehwagesque Arya puts on a show in see-ball, hit-ball batting

• Fastest hundreds in the IPL – Priyansh Arya enters top five

“Attacking batsman out [An attacking batsman always looks ugly when he gets out],” Arya says with a smile at a press interaction. “Not just me, look at every attacking batsman. I don’t think about failures, or whether this shot could get me out or not when I am batting. I just watch the ball and look to hit it.”Getting out on a zero is not a big deal, it’s a part of the game. At times, I’ll get out on a zero, but the next day, I will also score a century.”And score a century he did as he sent the CSK fielders on a leather hunt in Mullanpur. He was dropped by Khaleel second ball of the innings, and played a false shot two balls later. Even the most aggressive IPL batters might have taken a step back. Not Arya. He went again the very next ball, carving Khaleel over cover point for six. He trusted his instincts. It got him a 43-ball 102 and a Player-of-the-Match award.It’s helped that Arya has the backing of PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer.

“When I went to the [IPL team] trials and I didn’t get selected, it never affected me much, because I wasn’t consistent. I debuted for the senior team in 2021, and I was out of the team after two matches because I wasn’t performing well. Obviously, anyone would be out of the team with those performances”Priyansh Arya on the lows in his career

“I spoke to Ricky sir [after his first-ball duck] and he told me that if I get the same ball in the next match, I should hit it out of the ground. I was very confident after hearing that,” Arya says. “Shreyas also told me not to worry: ‘you will play all the 14 matches’. That calmed me down a lot. If the captain is backing me so much, I felt very confident after hearing that.”It wasn’t all about swinging away to glory, Arya also showed cricketing smarts against CSK. When R Ashwin, 14 years his senior and one of the modern-day greats, came into the attack inside the powerplay, he looked like knew that the offspinner would try and cramp him for room. On cue, Ashwin fired a length ball on the stumps that Arya duly slog-swept to the square-leg boundary. A few balls later, when Ashwin went marginally short outside off, Arya deposited him over wide long-off.Arya’s strike rate of 210.66 is the third-highest in the tournament at the moment. He has hit 11 sixes, the second-highest for PBKS behind his captain’s 14. But Arya has not always been this free-flowing six basher.Priyansh Arya’s strike rate of 210.66 is the third-highest at the moment in the tournament•Associated Press”I developed it with time. I wasn’t this bold at the start of my career when I was younger,” he says. “With time and maturity, you have to bring those changes within yourself. You can’t keep playing like you used to. The opponents are experienced enough to know your strengths and weaknesses.”Arya is just 24, but his career has already had a fair few ups and downs. He made his senior T20 debut for Delhi in 2021, but was out of the side after only two games and it took him two years to get another game. He was called up for trials by a few IPL teams, but Arya remained unsold in the 2024 player auctions. However, he was pragmatic about his snub.”When I went to the trials and I didn’t get selected, it never affected me much, because I wasn’t consistent, so the non-selection didn’t bother me,” he says. “I debuted for the senior team in 2021, and I was out of the team after two matches because I wasn’t performing well. Obviously, anyone would be out of the team with those performances.”The 2024 Delhi Premier League, however, changed everything. His six sixes in an over thrust him into the limelight and got him a place in the Delhi 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali squad, where he was Delhi’s highest run-scorer. “When DPL started, I wanted to be as consistent as possible,” Arya says. “I made runs in DPL and this time in T20s [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] as well and I got picked [in the IPL]. So, in my mind, I realised that consistency is key.”2:44

Is Arya’s ton the greatest IPL knock by an uncapped player?

Coming into the IPL, Arya has not changed his technique much but has worked on the mental side of things. “Everyone has the same level of preparation. But the mindset is very important. Controlling the mind is the most difficult thing. If you keep yourself calm, you can perform better.”He has also worked extensively with his childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj, particularly on the cuts and pulls, because “IPL ball . [In the IPL, no one will dish out slot balls]. The bowlers will hit that hard length, which makes the cuts and the pulls important shots to have.”There is no question that Arya’s approach is fraught with risk. He might fail more often than he succeeds. But with a mature head on his shoulders and the backing of his coach and captain, he will hope to leave a mark on IPL 2025. He’s started well. Now for the consistency which has brought him thus far.

Sri Lanka have history on their side, having won their last five T20Is against Pakistan going back to October 2019

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-20252:03

Chopra: SL could bring in an extra seamer in Abu Dhabi

Big PictureLet’s cool things down a little. Two high-profile, highly-charged matches have happened. Some hands have not found the company of other hands at times around cricket matches where hands and other hands are supposed to find the company of hands.We are not naming names, or specifying political indiscretions. But at least on Tuesday, there should be some peace. Perhaps even some love.Pakistan vs Sri Lanka tends to be borderline sappy.Related

• Sahibzada Farhan takes confidence from 'brilliant powerplay' against India despite loss

• Things Pakistan say, things Pakistan do, and the gap between them

• Suryakumar: India vs Pakistan isn't a rivalry anymore

• Abhishek: Didn't like Pakistan 'coming at us without any reason'

Both these teams also have some pride to resurrect. The reasons for Pakistan’s self-esteem doldrums are obvious. If Sri Lanka was Pakistan’s roommate in a sitcom right now, they’d be telling Pakistan to get their act together with an arm around their shoulders with insults dressed winkingly as compliments. Pakistan might point out that Sri Lanka aren’t doing so hot themselves, having lost to Bangladesh in the first Super Four match. Sri Lanka might respond by asking Pakistan to count the number of Asia Cup trophies on their cabinet. (Because this preview is written by a Sri Lankan, Sri Lankans get last word in all arguments.)Sri Lanka and Pakistan have not tested themselves against each other in T20Is for a while. The last time they played was in 2022, when in the 2010s they used to almost ritualistically have full tours every year.On the surface, they seem evenly matched, however. Pakistan have batting firepower issues. Sri Lanka have batting firepower issues. Pakistan are ranked seventh. Sri Lanka are ranked eighth. Both teams are attempting revivals. Sri Lanka believe theirs has really started. A win against Pakistan will help affirm it.Form guideSri Lanka: LWWWLPakistan: LWLWWIn the spotlightHaris Rauf has only played two T20Is against Sri Lanka, but has five wickets, and an economy rate of 6.85 against them. He was also Pakistan’s best quick in the last match against India, taking 2 for 26. Sri Lanka tend to back themselves against left-arm seam, with so many left-handers in the top order. But in the last match, they did lose three wickets to Mustafizur Rahman.Nuwan Thushara has become known for his outswing at the top of the innings, which has yielded him valuable powerplay wickets. In the last match however, Bangladesh’s Saif Hassan countered Thushara by running down the track and bludgeoning him straight. Thushara is a reasonably experienced bowler now. Can he bounce back?Pitch and conditionsAbu Dhabi tends to be one of the higher-scoring venues in the UAE. Although slower bowlers can sometimes prosper there. Sri Lanka won both matches here in the group stage.Team newsAlthough licking their wounds after the loss to India, Pakistan may keep the same XI.Pakiistan (possible): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Hussain Talat, 5 Mohammad Nawaz, 6 Salman Agha (capt.), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Mohammad Haris, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedSri Lanka are seriously considering adding a bowler. Maheesh Theekshana may come back into the XI.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt.), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Nuwan ThusharaSri Lanka have won both their matches in Abu Dhabi so far•Getty Images

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka have won all five most-recent T20Is against Pakistan, a streak going back to October 2019.
• In the UAE, however, Pakistan have won four T20Is against Sri Lanka, out of seven encounters.
• Openers Pathum Nissanka and Sahibzada Farhan are the tournament’s No. 2 and No. 3 runscorers so far, behind india opener Abhishek Sharma. Sri Lanka’s other opener, Kusal Mendis, is fifth on that list.Quotes“We tend to have four ‘proper bowlers’ and then Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, and me, have to make up the other overs. But this is T20, and even our best bowlers sometimes go for 40 or 45. If we had another bowler, it would help. But we’re still deciding how to go forward.”Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka doesn’t have a fixed plan just yet

Fernandinho has officially decided to bring down the curtain on an extraordinary career, drawing to a close more than two decades at the top of the game and a trophy cabinet that places him among Manchester City’s most decorated players of all time. The former Brazil international, now 40, confirmed he will not continue playing, ending speculation that had lingered since his return to Athletico Paranaense in 2022.

• A career built on brilliance and relentless standards

  Fernandinho spent nine seasons at Manchester City after arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, where he had already earned six Ukrainian league titles and a UEFA Cup. Under Manuel Pellegrini and later Pep Guardiola, he became the anchor of City's midfield. Known for his exceptional reading of the game, immaculate tackling, and unrivalled positional awareness, his influence allowed the club’s creative talents to flourish. Across 383 City appearances, Fernandinho lifted five Premier League titles, six League Cups, an FA Cup and a Community Shield.

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  A fitting final chapter in Brazil

  After leaving Manchester in 2022, Fernandinho went home, rejoining Athletico Paranaense, the club that first introduced him to professional football. His playing time naturally declined as the seasons passed, and the midfielder had not featured since December 2024 in a league match against Atletico Mineiro. Speaking after a charity game this week at the club’s stadium, he made clear his body had given him its final warning. 

  "I’m already tired. I ran for 30-something minutes today and I’m exhausted," he said. "There’s nothing in football that motivates me anymore. I’ve achieved everything I could. Now it’s time to enjoy my family."

  The 40-year-old added that his departure came after he and the club failed to reach an agreement on a new deal. 

  "We didn’t reach an agreement for a new contract, and that’s the most natural thing in the world. I’ve never hidden my gratitude, my respect and affection for Athletico, especially their fans," he said. 

• Guardiola was blindsided with his Man City exit

  When Fernandinho left City, he had not initially informed Guardiola about his decision. 

  "I didn’t know it," the manager told reporters during a press conference. "You gave me the news. We will see what will happen at the end of the season. I said many times we will see what happens. I said at the end of the season we will talk – maybe it is a family decision, maybe he wants more minutes. I would love to be with him."

  Guardiola suggested that the then sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, might have been aware of the development.

  "Maybe Txiki knows it and didn’t tell me," Guardiola said. "I don’t know. It is a surprise for me; I will say to him [Txiki]: 'What happened?' But I know his [Fernandinho’s] intentions. Another player would do it for his benefit. Knowing Ferna, it will not be this.

  "I want the happiness of my players and absolutely we are going to play tomorrow for him and give him the best farewell moment, reaching again the semi‑final of the Champions League and try to go through again. I understand the players want to play, it is completely understandable. Not just because he is 35 or 36. Look what happened with Ferran Torres: he wanted to play so joined Barcelona. I understand Ferna wants go back to Brazil, with his father and mother there, and I am pretty sure the club is going to help him do what he wants."

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  What comes next for Fernandinho?

  Attention now shifts to Fernandinho’s future beyond the pitch. The Brazilian has previously expressed interest in coaching, and Manchester City have a history of integrating former players into roles across their academy, global network or ambassadorial programmes. With his intimate knowledge of Guardiola’s system, he would be a valuable addition should he choose to pursue the coaching path. However, as he mentioned, right now, he would opt for a quieter period dedicated to family life, after spending years at the elite level.