Should the Brazilian feature in Wednesday’s Champions League Last 16 second leg, it will mark a century of appearances in Europe’s elite competition for both City and former club Shakhtar Donetsk.
And ahead of that potential milestone, Ederson has hailed the City skipper’s impact both on and off the pitch, explaining his crucial role as a motivational figure within the squad.
The goalkeeper also highlighted that the respect Fernandinho commands translates to each and every player, regardless of their experience in the game.
“He has very strong leadership, he is a very important player, very experienced, he’s been at City the longest, he is more than a captain,” Ederson explained in a pre-match press conference.
“He guides young players and helps us every day with our day-to-day work. He is a fundamental figure for our team.
“That reflects on the right years he’s been here- this his ninth - I hope he continues this work.
“I don’t know what he will do after this year because it’s the last year in his contract. I know the club are doing all they can.
“He guides and advises both young and experienced players.
“Certain times, some players may be relaxed a little, but he tells players to be focused for 90 minutes and always look for another goal - that’s why he has a position of leadership and respect throughout the team.”
With City in a commanding position heading into the second leg of our tie with Sporting CP courtesy of a 5-0 first leg victory, Ederson was also asked about our chances of claiming domestic and European silverware this season.
Pep Guardiola’s men currently six points clear at the Premier League summit and face Southampton in the last eight of the FA Cup, and the City stopper believes we are capable of securing an historic treble.
However, the Brazilian is under no illusions that we will need to be at our best to ensure that ambition becomes reality.
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He said: “We know they are very difficult competitions - they demand a lot from the squad.
“There’s lots of physical demands, last season we lost in the final. Our goal is to win every competition we go into. This is no different.
“We need to take it step by step. There are challenges in every competition we play in.
“A season here in England is very intense. Especially around the boxing day period. It’s very demanding.
“We know how difficult it is, but we have the quality to do it (win the Premier League).
“We have shown it previously and we are showing at the moment. I think we are capable of achieving that objective.”
