Showing posts with label brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brazil. Show all posts

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

PRE-SEASON: Audi Cup 2013

Part three of in-depth look at City pre-season schedule

By Aaron Leggott

After their victory in the Barclays Asia Trophy last weekend, the Blues will be looking to go out and win their second piece of pre-season silverware in Munich over Wednesday and Thursday.

The Audi Cup, which takes place over the two days at the Allianz Arena, home of European Champions Bayern Munich, will see City come up against AC Milan,  São Paulo and of course Bayern Munich. 

It is City's and São Paulo's  first appearances in one of the biggest pre-season competition's in Europe, whilst Bayern and Milan have contested every Audi Cup to date.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

The competition takes the format of a knockout competition. The winners of the two semi-finals on Wednesday compete for the Audi Cup, whilst the losers face off for third place. 

City have been drawn to play AC Milan in the first semi-final, with the main story being the reunion of Nigel de Jong and Mario Balotelli to their former club. 

And with Bayern Munich taking on São Paulo in the other semi-final, it is expected that City fans will be hoping to see the team tested against the pinnacle of European football on Thursday. 


Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Profile: Fernandinho

Brazilian set to follow Navas to Manchester

By Aaron Leggott

It seems that Manchester City have learnt their lessons from last year as they look to seal their deals as soon as possible this summer. With Navas all but a City player, it looks like Fernandinho will also be wearing Sky Blue next season, pending a medical.

Sky Sources have quoted a fee of £34 million has been agreed between City and Fernandinho's current club Shakhtar Donetsk, but figures are believed to be nearer the £25 million mark. 

Fernandinho looks set to leave Shakhtar after seven years
Official Shakhtar Facebook
After making an impressive 184 appearances for Shakhtar, the Brazilian holding midfielder is set to bolster City's midfield as the Blues look to make a serious statement next season. For those who don't know much about him, here are some facts for you:


Name: Fernando Luiz Rosa (Fernandinho)

Age: 28

Position: Defensive midfielder

Club Appearances: 256 

Club goals: 45