Man City players elect new club captain after Fernandinho's summer departure

Long-serving Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho left the club at the end of the 2021-22 season, nine years after joining the club from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk

Ilkay Gundogan is now Manchester City's captain, taking over from Fernandinho after the Brazilian's summer departure, with Kevin De Bruyne elected as his deputy.

Veteran midfielder Fernandinho left the Etihad this summer after nine years as a Manchester City player, joining Atletico Paranaense on a free transfer. The armband has gone the way of Germany international Gundogan, who skippered the side on occasion last term and did so again in the weekend victory against Bournemouth.

Gundogan, the first player signed for City by Pep Guardiola, had been linked with a summer move away from the club. His importance has never been in doubt, though, with his title-winning goal last term just one example.

According to the Telegraph, there have been a few changes on City's part. Gundogan is now the official captain, with Kevin De Bruyne vice captain, while Rodri has been incorporated into the club's 'leadership group'.

De Bruyne's new role came after a vote from players and staff. The five man leadership group, meanwhile, also includes defenders Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias.

Rodri's new responsibilities come after three impressive seasons with the Manchester club. The Spanish international played his 100th Premier League game last season, and this summer agreed a new deal which will keep him at City until 2027.

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Gundogan has the rare insight of having played under both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. The midfielder was part of Klopp's Borussia Dortmund side which reached the Champions League final in 2013, but the esteem in which he holds his current boss is clear.

“In terms of qualities, I have never seen anyone better than him (Guardiola)," he said earlier this month. "I probably won’t see anyone better than him. I just feel privileged to be able to work with him right now for the sixth year, to still learn from him, to be valued and appreciated by him.

“I really do believe that he was - and is - the most innovative manager that football has ever seen. I think he is just incredible, what he has achieved and what he is still able to achieve. It is just an honour for me.”

Manchester City's comprehensive victory over Bournemouth sent them top of the Premier League table after two games. Gundogan and De Bruyne were both on target, as was Phil Foden, while an own goal from Jefferson Lerma rounded off the scoring.

Next up for Guardiola's team is a match against Newcastle United at St James' Park. City won both meetings with the Magpies last season, scoring nine goals across the two games and conceding none.