Bernardo Silva explains his decision to leave Manchester City at the end of the season
Man City’s Bernardo Silva to leave at the end of the season
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has released an emotional statement confirming his departure from the Etihad Stadium after nine years at the club. The Portuguese playmaker won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, one Champions League and one Club World Cup during his time with the Citizens.
He is one of the club’s most decorated players, but the 31-year-old will leave on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer. “My fellow citizens, when I came here nine years ago, I was following a boy’s dream to succeed in life and achieve great things,” Silva said on social media.
“This city and this club have given me more than that, more than I could ever have hoped for. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart. Centurions, four domestic titles, the Treble, four in a row…it wasn’t that bad.
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“In a few months, it will be time to say goodbye to the city where we have not only won so much as a football club, but also where I got married and started my family. Thank you, Ines and Carlota, from the bottom of my heart!”
“Dear fans, 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 all feel proud and well represented on the pitch.”
“I hope you feel that every game. I came as a Man City player, but I leave as another one of you, a lifelong Man City supporter. Please continue to support this young team and I’m sure they will bring you many new great memories in the future.”
“Thank you to the club, Pep, the staff and all my teammates over the last nine years for all the memories and for letting me be a part of this journey for so long.
“The atmosphere we created every day on the practice field made me feel like I was at home and part of a big family. Let’s enjoy the last few weeks together and fight for what this season brings us.”
Manager Josep Guardiola spoke about the possibility of Bernardo Silva leaving the club (Image: Aitor Alcalde/UEFA via Getty Images)
Guardiola joked earlier this month that Silva was furious at City for not informing him that he would be leaving the club, and insisted nothing had been decided about his future, but assistant coach Pep Lijnders suggested in early April that Silva was set to leave in the summer.
Guardiola said: “I’m very unhappy with Bernardo because a month ago I said, “If I have to make a decision, I have to know first” and Bernardo hasn’t said anything yet.” “I think the right person is Bernardo, but I don’t know if he has already decided. I jokingly said, ‘Tell me I deserve it,’ but he didn’t say that, so I don’t know what’s going on.
“It’s like a farewell press conference for Bernardo, but he didn’t tell me! Every manager he’s ever coached will tell you how much they love him, because he’s always thinking, he’s incredibly competitive, he’s got a fire inside, and he’s always there even in the toughest moments on the biggest stages.”
“It’s a big game, it’s not about whether you play well or badly, it’s about being yourself and not being afraid. Bernie has had all these qualities from the first day he arrived from Monaco. He’s a great signing for us and I love this club amazingly so I’d like him to stay here and finish his career, but he will make his decision when he makes the decision and announces it to the club, the media and everyone.”
“But he’s got a great contract with numbers, minutes and titles, especially when things are bad. That’s what defines me as a player when everything’s tough, when things are bad. He’s always stepped up and said I’m here to help.”
