The assembly of the Athletic for the year of its centenary began exactly on Friday (17), with the correct renewal of Fernandinho. With the stay of its main player, Hurricane begins the work of 2024. And some of the situations put by shirt 5 in conversations with the red-black board will be ways to organize a stronger and more complete cast, focusing in particular on the Brazilian Championship – and, of course, if you get there, the Copa Libertadores.
Fernandinho lived two very busy seasons at Athletico. The first, in fact, was half, since he arrived in June 2022, already in the course of the Liberators. The arrival at the final of the competition and the sixth place in the Brazilian Championship showed the right choice of steering wheel, which opted for the heart team instead of financially better proposals.
But this 2023 was filled with ups and downs. The Paranaense title undefeated, the good start in Libertadors and the rankings in the Brazilian Cup animated team and fans. But there were early eliminations in the hearts, Luiz Felipe Scolari's turbulent exit, Paulo Turra's resignation and Wesley Carvalho's irregularity. Adding all this to the wear and tear of the season, Fernandinho and Athletico arrive at the end of the year with difficulties.
What Fernandinho wants from Athletico
Very close to President Mário Celso Petraglia, Fernandinho renewed with Athletico for the firm position of the leader. They both want to see Hurricane two Brazilian champion – and the current championship allows us to think about it in 2024. That is why the red-black plan is to strengthen the cast by betting on young players – as the aforementioned Deossa (National Athletic) and Alexander Aravena (Catholic University). But also going to the ball market investing in names coming in to be holders. In short: a more full-bodied team with options in all sectors.
Especially: Fernandinho hopes to have a less ‘accidented’ season. This essentially implies not being in all matches, being preserved in more complicated trips and the Paranaense Championship. Thus, shirt 5 imagines being whole to play all year, leading the Athletico in the centenary year and entering to win all the championships. Especially the longest of them, the Brazilian Championship.
"Some factors end up being relevant to this renewal. The club is about to become an APS and we'll probably have good investments. The possibility of playing a continental competition next year. Develop new values with young players... All this made me reflect, analyze all the possibilities and come to the conclusion that the best thing for me and my family is to stay another year here in Curitiba, representing the colors of the Athletic. I still feel really good, I feel like I can deliver a good football, a lot of things that can help younger people evolve. All this made us make this decision," he said, in an interview with the official website of Rubro-Negro.
“My relationship with Athletico goes far beyond player Fernandinho, than I can develop in the field. It's a very important year for the club and the crowd. All this made us come to an agreement and happiness is immenseBecause it's a special year and I'm feeling fine. As time passes, I feel much better to represent the Athletic", he completed.
