Riyad Mahrez has inadvertently hinted that the 2019-20 campaign will be Fernandinho’s last at Manchester City.
Mahrez, may have let the cat out of the bag during a Christmas quiz with Sky Sports.
Facing off against Benjamin Mendy, the Blues duo were asked to name the player who has revealed that this will be his last season with the club.
Mahrez was first to his buzzer and bellowed: “David and Fernandinho”.
The presenter ignored the mention of a Brazilian stalwart, with a point awarded for Silva, but Mendy shot a knowing glance in the direction of his team-mate.
Fernandinho has remained coy when quizzed on his future.
He said back in November when pressed on his plans: “I always say I’ll play until my mind will allow me to play.
“When I feel happy and motivated to play every day this is important. To train happy and fresh everyday so until I don’t feel like this, I will play, but I don’t want to say until 37, 38...40; we shall see.”
City boss Pep Guardiola has also stopped short of making a definitive call on Fernandinho.
He has said of an expiring contract: “I think at the end of the season we are going to decide on the situation.
“The players who finished their contracts, the players with full contracts, what we have to do is what we believe is the best for the club and organisation for next season.”