Fernandinho pays to seal City move

07 June 2013 06:46

Fernandinho made a personal financial sacrifice to make his 'dream' move to Manchester City happen, Press Association Sport understands.

The Brazilian midfielder has moved to the Etihad Stadium from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee the Ukrainian club have reported as £34million. That fee is more than City were initially willing to pay but a compromise has been reached for a player who had a reported £42.5million release clause in his Shakhtar contract.

It is understood that Fernandinho, who was City's top summer target, agreed to take a financial hit of some kind in his eagerness to join the Eastlands outfit.

The 28-year-old's desire to move to City had been well documented and his wish has now come true with what is thought to be a five-year contract.

Fernandinho, capped five times by Brazil, told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for. Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream.

"My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters. Professionally this is a spectacular thing. 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 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. I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more."

Fernandinho's arrival is likely to be followed by that of Manuel Pellegrini as new manager in the coming days, possibly early next week.

City have been in discussions with the Chilean, long their preferred choice to succeed the sacked Roberto Mancini, since he took charge of Malaga for the final time last weekend. Despite a perceived delay there is not thought to be any complications and his appointment should be a formality.

The signing of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, for a fee understood to be worth around £15.9million, is also imminent.

Source: PA