By Laurie Whitwell Follow @@lauriewhitwell Fernando, the player Manchester City have bought to irritate opponents in the depths of their midfield, breaks into a smile when he considers his nickname ‘The Octopus’. For fans at his former club Porto it appeared he had eight legs, such was the frequency he flicked the ball away from advancing attackers. That the match which first saw the £12million Brazilian called as such came against Manchester United should instantly warm the hearts of those on the blue half. In April 2009 Fernando provided the sting to Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as United were held to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in the Champions League.
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The Brazilian moved to the Etihad from Porto for £12m earlier this summer
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Manuel Pellegrini signed him to shore up City's midfield as they look to retain their Premier League title and challenge for the Champions League
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Fernando was nicknamed 'The Octopus' by Porto fans after his performance against Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford in 2009
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The 27-year-old says he has 'a very strong defensive game' following move
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He has been overlooked by Brazil since pushing a referee at U20 level
That’s something that’s going to be marked in the history of @placeholder football.’