We can be Kings of Europe

The Brazilian sealed his £30million switch to the Etihad from Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month.

And the midfielder, 28, reckons his new troops can reign on the continent despite their flop last term.

Fernandinho said: “I hope it will be an excellent performance from City in the competition.

“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.”

Fernandinho cannot wait to get cracking for City, who host crisis-hit Newcastle on the Premier League’s opening day.

And he believes it will once again be neighbours Manchester United who provide his side with their stiffest test.

Fernandinho added: “What I really want is to play as soon as possible for City.

“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.

“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.”