Brazilian midfielder Fernando Luiz Roza (Fernandihno) is pleased to be back home after 17 years.
On Monday Athletico Paranaense announced the signing of the 37-year-old who returns to the club where he made a name for himself before joining Shakthar Donetsk in 2005.
He made 72 appearances and scored 14 goals for the Brazilian club who have snapped him up on a two-year deal.
Speaking after his unveiling, the hard-tackling midfielder said it was a dream to be able to return to Athletico, a club that gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent as a teenager.
“Without a doubt, I am fulfilling a personal wish, a dream to wear the Athletico shirt again.
“Establish a brand that will end my career playing for just three clubs -two in Europe and one in Brazil.
“I’m very happy, I thank my family, which has always supported me in this decision. Not only my heart, but all of us ended up speaking louder at that moment. We had numerous proposals, from several different clubs, from Brazil and abroad. But the most sensible decision was to return home and try to deliver my best here at Athletico now.”
After winning six Ukrainian Premier League titles, four Ukrainian Cups, two Ukrainian Super Cups and the 2008/09 Uefa Cup, Fernandihno moved to England to join Manchester City.
At City, he won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, six Carabao Cups and one Community Shield trophy in nine years.
Alongside the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva, he is regarded as one of the club’s legendary players after playing a key role in their recent domestic dominance.
