The City captain brought down the curtain on an incredible nine years at the Club following the conclusion of our title-winning campaign.
A 3-2 triumph over the Villans saw Pep Guardiola’s men claim a fourth Premeir League in five seasons, and Fernandinho’s fifth during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Ahead of his final appearance, the midfielder was presented with a mosaic at the City Football Academy, with the adjacent pitch also dedicated to him.
And speaking on Matchday Live, former City forward Vassell said he was delighted to see the Brazilian’s exploits honoured by the Club.
“He certainly is [one of best defensive midfielders in the Premier League],” the former England international declared.
“City look after their ex-players, and it is lovely to see [him get a pitch named after him].
“He’s a player that the fans have grown to love, respect and admire.”
Joleon Lescott joined Vassell as part of our Matchday Live coverage on the final day of the season and was equally praiseworthy of Fernandinho’s impact at the Club.
And the former City defender, also a part of the 2013/14 squad in which the Brazilian lifted his first Premier League trophy, recalled first coming across our captain during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Indeed, Lescott pinpointed a typically dominant performance from Fernandinho during a Champions League match against Chelsea which piqued his interest.
He said: “What a guy! I was lucky enough to play with him (but) my memories of Fernandinho were before he joined us.
“I remember seeing him for Shakhtar (Donetsk) and this was the time when Chelsea’s midfield was really strong.
“Ramires was running through the league in terms of midfield, and they played Shakhtar (but) I remember Fernandinho running (the game) and thinking: ‘who is this guy?’
“Then we signed him, and I was thinking ‘what a player we are getting here’. An exceptional player.”
