'Incredible' Fernandinho rose from poverty and could equal Rooney PL record

The 37-year-old is set to leave the Etihad this summer after nine years with the Citizens, but he could end his time in England by lifting a fifth Premier League trophy.

The former Brazil international is an example for so many to follow as he rose from playing football on the streets to starring at the highest level.

The midfielder didn't come from a wealthy family, he spent his time working numerous jobs to help his family.

However, the ultimate goal for Fernandinho was to become a footballer, so any money that didn't go to his family, he saved.

Most footballers progress through the ranks in academies, but not Fernandinho.

Instead, the Manchester City club captain played football on the streets in his spare time.

It was here where he honed his skills and waited patiently for a chance.

That opportunity came when he arrived for a trial with Athletico Paranaense. The Brazilian club only needed to look at Fernandinho once before deciding to take the plunge and hand him a senior contract.

Fernandinho hasn't looked back and has enjoyed 17 years in Europe with Shakhtar Donetsk and City.

His time with the Citizens has already been incredibly successful, winning 11 trophies including four Premier League titles.

He is on the cusp of adding a fifth and that would move him level with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney and John Terry for the number of league titles.

Given that Fernandinho is quite an unassuming character compared to some of these other names, his achievements could fly under the radar.

Off the field, the Brazilian is a dedicated father who likes to keep himself to himself.

He has been with his wife Glauica Rose since they were both teenagers and before he was even remotely successful in football.

However, within Pep Guardiola's set up, he has become the Spaniard's lieutenant. He is someone the former Bayern Munich boss trusts to take care of the players.

After Vincent Kompany left, a leadership void needed to be filled. The usually quiet Fernandinho stepped in to take that on and was a key factor behind the Citizens' resurgence last year after a poor 2019/20 campaign.

The Athletic claim that Fernandinho was behind some brutal conversations that sparked City into life after an average start to last season, and it ended with them lifting the Premier League trophy, so it is no wonder Guardiola trusts his club captain.

This year his playing time has declined given the rise to prominence of Rodri, but he still performs his role as captain impeccably and could end his Etihad career on a huge high.

Earlier this season, after City's victory at Norwich, Guardiola said: "I said many times what an incredible captain he is. On and off the pitch, he helps the team a lot.

"In the locker room he is always there to give good advice.

"Of course, Rodri now is in form but he cannot play every game.

"He played today with personality. I am very pleased with his performance."

This shows how much one of the greatest managers of this generation rates Fernandinho, but it is not just Guardiola who admires him.

Phil Foden has also lauded the defensive midfielder for his off-the-field contributions: "He's just a great person off the pitch.

"He knows everyone well. If the manager misses something, if a player is upset, he'll see that in a player and he'll come and see how they're doing. That's why he's the captain: because he's a great player and a great person."

The Brazilian has also been credited with helping Gabriel Jesus and Foden settle into the first-team squad at City.

So, though he might not play as much as he used to, Fernandinho is still a vital cog in this Manchester City side, and they are going to miss him when he is gone.

He will leave as City's record appearance holder in Europe, and if they add that fifth league title, he will become their joint-most successful Premier League player.

Though he might not be the most celebrated player the Citizens have ever had, it is hard to argue he hasn't been one of their most important.