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Fernandinho believes that City have the ability to win the Champions League in his first season with the club.

The Brazilian international, a £30 million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month, says the fans deserve to taste success in Europe’s top tournament for the first time.

“I hope it will be an excellent performance from City in the competition,” Fernandinho told the M.E.N.

“That would motivate the supporters and lead us to the final games of the competition.

“A cup would be incredible, and the best in Europe? I believe we can do it.”

The 28-year-old central midfielder, who spent eight years in Donetsk, is desperate to run out at the Etihad Stadium for the first time when the Blues play Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

“What I really want is to play as soon as possible for City,” he added.

“They are excellent players with great stories in football, but the reality is it doesn’t matter who we play against – all I want is to play and help City to win.”

Playing in the Premier League has been a dream for Fernandinho, and he is looking forward to the derby against United, in particular.

“Nowadays all teams are hard to beat,” he said.

“Each team has a different playing style. But I believe that the larger clubs in the Premier League – like United – will be beyond any doubt the hardest ones, due to the quality of their players and their tactical organisation characteristics.”

And with the World Cup in his homeland just 12 months away, Fernandinho has set his sights on making the Brazilian national team by impressing with City.

“It's all very close and the time passes very quickly,” he said.

“Everybody is getting ready for this great event. I hope next year everything can go smoothly and I can play for my country after starring for my new club.”