It was an open secret. Arriving in 2017 from AS Monaco, Bernardo Silva (31 years old) will not return for a tenth season with Manchester City. Under contract until the end of the season, the Portuguese international midfielder has long been announced as a starter and courted by many major European clubs (FC Barcelona, PSG). This time, it is certain that he will play in a new team next season. The Cityzens, who had already announced the news via Pep Guardiola, have just made it official on their site.
“Manchester City confirms that Bernardo Silva will leave the club this summer. The Portuguese playmaker joined City in 2017 and made 451 appearances during a glorious nine-year spell with the Blues. The 31-year-old’s contribution to our greatest period of success is invaluable.indicates the English club. A separation confirmed by the main party via a long farewell message posted on his social networks.
Nine years of success
“Dear Manchester City supporters, nine years ago, when I arrived, I was chasing a little boy’s dream: to succeed in life, to achieve great things. This city and this club have offered me much more than that, much more than I ever dared to hope for. Our common victories and exploits will remain forever engraved in my heart. The Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the treble, the four consecutive titles and much more… It wasn’t so bad! In a few months it will be time to say goodbye to the city where we won so much with football, but also where I founded my family and where I started my marriage. From the bottom of my heart, Ines and Carlota, thank you! To the supporters, your unconditional support over the years is something I will never forget. My main goal as a player has always been to play with passion so that you are proud and feel well represented on the pitch. I hope you felt it in every match. I arrived as a Manchester City player, I leave as one of you, a Manchester City supporter forever. Continue to support this young team and I am sure they will provide you with many unforgettable memories. To the club, to Pep, to the staff and to all my teammates over these 9 years, thank you for all these moments and for allowing me to be part of this adventure for so long. The atmosphere we created every day in training made me feel at home, like a member of a big family. Let’s enjoy these last few weeks together and fight for what this season still has in store for us. I love you all, Bernardo”.
After nine years, 76 goals and 77 assists in 451 matches, all competitions combined (current series), Bernardo Silva will say goodbye to City and undoubtedly to England. No one yet knows whether the Portuguese will choose his new club before or after the World Cup, but it seems certain that he will want to stay in Europe despite interest from Saudi Arabia. As a reminder, the former Monegasque has several tracks on the Old Continent. FC Barcelona would still be on the case, just like Juventus. Two clubs which have never been able to pay a high price to secure the player’s services and which can now go for it.
