Fernando wants to get his Manchester City career off to a perfect start tomorrow – and show how he has gone from hot head to hero.
As the £12 million (Dh74.2m) signing prepares to face Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at Wembley, it was seven years ago when the Brazilian’s promising international future was ruined after an ugly brawl against Chile in the South American Youth Championship.
Fernando, now 27, lost his cool at the end of a fiery 2-2 draw and pushed referee Albert Duarte.
He was banned for a year by FIFA and subsequently forgotten by the national team.
“Yes, it was harsh,” he says, reflecting on the punishment.
“At the time I was playing really well, I was in the Brazilian team and it was something that really marked my career and brought me a lot of lessons. Obviously, that has prevented me from going further in the Brazilian team. I don’t think that’s the only reason but I think that had to be a factor.
“I was very young at the time and it was a hot-headed moment. That incident really helped me a lot. At the time you could say I was a child, today I am a man so there is a big difference. Now I always try to be calm and tranquil on the pitch and not speak back to the referee.
“I used to have in the past dreams about playing for Brazil but nowadays in the first instance my objective is really to focus on City, to help them win titles and if it happens naturally, I end up being selected for Brazil, that’s great.”
Like many who have seen him at Porto, providing dependable defence and nicknamed the ‘Octopus’ for stealing balls, Fernando felt he might have made a difference when Brazil were humbled 7-1 by Germany in the World Cup semi-final on home soil.
But he hopes his City performances will impress new coach Dunga.
“Of course, due to the fact the English league is so strong, and because of all the other players and the fact we’re always competing for the title,” he said. “I hope we can repeat what we did last year and win the Premier League title – and also I hope we can improve in the Champions League.
“There are some great players here, but I know my strengths and will work hard to make sure I’m first choice.”
Meanwhile, City last night completed the signing of Argentina Under-20 international Bruno Zuculini.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who joins from Argentinian side Racing Club, was part of City’s pre-season tours and scored in the friendly against Kansas City.
Zuculini, who is available for today’s Community Shield against Arsenal, said: “I am looking forward to the experiences this move will bring and to improving myself.”
