Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to captain Fernandinho, who will be leaving the club this summer after nine years at the Etihad Stadium.
The 37-year-old revealed last month that he will not be extending his contract, which expires in six weeks' time, and he is set to return to his native Brazil.
Fernandinho could play his final game for the club when City welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium for their title-deciding clash on Sunday, and Guardiola hopes the veteran midfielder will receive a fitting send-off.
"He became a captain and deserves it. We experienced many moments together, a generous guy. He knows it," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I tell him that I'm grateful to have met him and worked together. We wish him all the best in his future. I'm pretty sure we'll meet again in the future."
Since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, Fernandinho has made a total of 382 appearances for City across all competitions, winning four Premier League titles, six EFL Cups and one FA Cup.
Guardiola has also spoken about the future of Ilkay Gundogan, insisting that he is keen for the Germany international to remain at the Etihad next season.
Oliver Thomas
