Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has signed a one-year contract extension which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2021.
The Brazilian international has been the lynchpin of the City midfield for the last few years while this season he has plugged a gap in the centre of defence.
Since joining the club in 2013, the 34-year-old has won three Premier League titles, four League Cups, one FA Cup and two Community Shields.
Fernandinho expressed his delight after signing the new deal.
"This is the best possible news," said Fernandinho. I want to take this opportunity to put on record how grateful I am to my teammates and the backroom staff here at City.
"Without them, this deal would not be possible, so sincere thanks to every single one of them. I have enjoyed every second of my time at City."
Following City's FA Cup win at the weekend, manager Pep Guardiola questioned the support for the team after a crowd of 39,223 watched them hammer Fulham.
But Fernandinho was eager to highlight the support he has received since signing for the Premier League champions.
"I never expected to build such a meaningful relationship with the club and the fans, but it has happened, and I am grateful every single day," added Fernandinho.
"Our fans are unbelievable; I am so happy that I will continue to play for them a year longer. I feel their love and passion and it genuinely helps keep me driven.
"My focus now is on making sure we continue to be successful. My time here has been decorated by silverware, but under Pep’s guidance we have really accelerated.
"I want that to carry on for as long as possible."
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain believes that the veteran midfielder's presence in the dressing room is of huge value to the less experienced players in the squad.
"This new deal reflects Fernandinho’s quality and commitment," said Begiristain. "He is not only a first-class professional and one of the best players in world football, he is a fantastic person who leads by example every single day.
"We have a talented young squad – but making sure they are supplemented by senior players of Fernandinho’s ilk is of paramount importance.
"What he brings in terms of leadership and professionalism is valued by everyone at the football club.
"He is a player with outstanding technical quality, and his appreciation of the game allows him to play multiple positions. He is also a player without ego, someone who values his teammates and recognises the importance of the squad."
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