Football
ESPN staff 9y

Man City's Fernando completely fit after playing with pain last season

Manchester City midfielder Fernando says he is "100 percent fit" and is eager to play after dealing with pain for the entirety of last season.

The Brazilian moved from Porto for a £12 million fee a year ago, and although he made 25 appearances in the Premier League last season, he says he was constantly bothered by a groin injury.

"It was a very difficult year but I'm very optimistic about the start of the new season and I want to get going as quickly as possible," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"For me the thing about last season was that I played a lot of the games with pain. That limited my capabilities. Now I feel 100 percent fit and I'm just looking forward to getting going again.

"The problem I had last year was the groin. Every time I ran it was painful."

Fernando has started both of City's preseason games in the International Champions Cup this summer, but City's signing of Fabian Delph means he will face additional competition to keep his place in Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"When you get into a big team with such an opportunity you want to give your best. That's what I tried to do last season," Delph said. "Obviously it didn't go very well for me because of the pain but I'm looking forward to giving my best again now."

Man City begin their season on Aug. 10 away to West Brom, against whom Fernando scored both of his goals last season.

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