“You never know” – Fernandinho addresses rumours of Manchester City return in coaching role

Fernandinho cools immediate coaching talk

And speaking exclusively to MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Fernandinho was quizzed on rumours suggesting that a return to the Etihad Stadium could come to fruition albeit in a coaching role at some stage in the future.

“Really? Rumours are rumours,” the Brazilian icon said in response to the clains.

“I’m starting to enjoy my life. So not planning coaching yet, not planning to go back to the UK yet. But you never know the future, what can happen,” he continued.

“I’m so happy, living here in Brazil with my family. We’ll see next year, next season, what’s happening.”

Fernandinho’s measured response suggests that while a return is certainly not imminent, the door remains firmly ajar. While Pep Guardiola remains contracted until 2027, the club has recently undergone a coaching staff shake-up, recruiting the likes of Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure.

Could bigger changes be on the horizon at Man City?

Guardiola himself continues to see his own name at the centre of talk surrounding an exit sooner than perhaps expected, with the belief in various quarters being that the 55-year-old will leave at the end of the ongoing season.

The addition of Fernandinho to such a high-calibre backroom team would be seen as a masterstroke by many, with Hugo Viana increasingly looking to maintain the club’s culture through familiar, authoritative faces.

Looking ahead, Fernandinho’s immediate focus remains on his personal life, but the allure of the Premier League – and perhaps a reunion with Guardiola – is a narrative that will certainly not fade quickly.

As City prepare to host league-leaders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, sitting six points behind but with a game in hand, the squad is already entering a period of evolution whilst ensuring that success has remained an ever-present with the winning of the Carabao Cup.