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Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has confirmed he will be used at centre-back in some games during the upcoming Premier League season, following the arrival of Rodri from Atletico Madrid.

The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in the City engine room after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2013 and City made finding his long-term replacement a priority during the summer.

Pep Guardiola identified Spanish international Rodri as the perfect successor following a magnificent campaign with Atletico Madrid - City broke their transfer record to secure his services for £63million.

Despite the increased competition in the middle of the park, Fernandinho has revealed he will remain an important player for the ex-Barcelona boss, potentially in a new centre-back role.

The versatile midfielder featured in the back four on a few occasions last season and told Globo Esporte that he and Guardiola have discussed playing the role regularly during the upcoming campaign.

"We had a conversation last year and I probably should be used (as a centre-back) in some games," he said. "Of course, I need to train more before to adapt well to this position, but the style of play we play here helps a lot.

The Brazil international revealed playing a variety of roles is hugely important to his manager, who often changes his side to match the tactics of City's opponents.

Fernandinho said: "You are opening a range of options for the coach, this is very important. Sometimes he wants to set the team up against an opponent in some way, with some pieces, and can't because of a suspension or injury.

"And if you have a player who can do two or three roles within the team, that makes it much easier for him."