Three decades, two Copa Libertadores finals and one and only Fernandinho
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 07.09.22. | 18:13
The former Manchester City midfielder reaches the South American showdown with his boyhood club 17 years after the previous one
Circles.
They shape our lives, putting things in some intangible order. And, occasionally, produce mouthwatering coincidences and moments that stay in our memory forever.
Just take a look at Fernandinho's life and football circle. The immaculate Brazilian midfielder was raised in Atletico Paranaense, with whom he played the club's first-ever Copa Libertadores final back in 2005. After it, he moved to Shakthar Donetsk, where he spent eight years before signing for Manchester City.
That was an incredible move for both the player and the club, as he became a mainstay at the Etihad in recent years. However, after the last Premier League title, at the age of 37, he decided to return home to Paranaense. And turn the full circle.
2005: Fernandinho plays in Atletico PR's first ever Copa Libertadores Final.
— COPA90 (@Copa90) September 7, 2022
2022: Fernandinho will play Atletico PR's second Copa Libertadores Final.
👏 17 years away from home and he judged his return perfectly. pic.twitter.com/M3iLmqmvZq
Believe it or not, Fernandinho is now a part of Atletico's squad that last night won a historic battle against giants Palmeiras to reach another milestone - the club's only second Copa Libertadores finals appearance. With not less than 17 years separating those two ties.
Atletico will probably face their compatriots Gremio in the showdown scheduled for 29 October at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. And, hopefully, the veteran will lift the Copa Libertadores trophy for the first and the last time. Because of the circles, you know...
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