Fernandinho is dreaming big with Premier League title and World Cup

08 May 2014 22:16

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho is hoping Sunday signals the start of the greatest summer of his career.

Fernandinho can cap a superb first season in the English game by helping City secure the Barclays Premier League title.

City head into their final game against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium knowing that a draw should be good enough to clinch the crown.

After that the Brazilian will hope to cement a place in his national squad for this summer's World Cup in his homeland after being named in Luiz Felipe Scolari's provisional party.

Fernandinho learned of his initial call-up hours before helping City take top spot in the table with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old said: "It was a great day.

"Being called up for the Brazil World Cup squad was the news I'd been waiting for. A massive win makes it even better.

"Of course it's a big thing for me, but I cannot start thinking about it until after Sunday.

"That's when I may start to feel emotional about it.

"Maybe on Sunday night or Monday will be the time for me to celebrate my call up and the league title. For now I need to be calm and concentrate on Sunday's game. After that I can do anything.

"I hope it's going to be the best summer - one I will always remember."

City's midweek victory took them two points clear of Liverpool at the top and they also have a significant goal difference in their favour.

With Liverpool simultaneously playing Newcastle on Sunday the potential for a nervy finish is still there, but Fernandinho expects them to come through that situation.

He said: "The whole squad is calm. Every training session is about doing what we do and keeping calm.

"Maybe there were a few nerves in the first half (against Villa) but in the second half we changed slightly the way we play - and scored four goals. That's great for us.

"In the next few days we'll be just the same, we'll keep calm and hope that we play a very good game on Sunday."

Fernandinho has been a mainstay of the City side but has come off the bench in the last three games to manage a minor injury.

He said: "I have a little problem with my leg, a small injury.

"So we've been trying to manage it so I play in the right situations.

"We'll see how we get on in the next few days and if I can start on Sunday."

Source: PA