Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a stellar spell at the club, but the Portuguese star insists there was a decision that particularly upset manager Josep Guardiola.
Bernardo Silva claims he was unhappy with Josep Guardiola refusing to captain Manchester City (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Bernardo Silva claims he was furious with Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola after an acrimonious phone conversation in which he rejected the captaincy role and hinted he intended to leave the club at the end of the season. The Portuguese playmaker is a modern-day legend and was instrumental in the club’s success following his £43 million move from Monaco.
Silva will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, having won 19 major trophies including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, three Community Shields, one FIFA Club World Cup and one UEFA Super Cup.
He has played a key role in City’s dominance in English football, which is why Guardiola asked him to become the club’s captain after Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, only for Silva to turn him down. Spain’s head coach told Silva he would wear an armband, going against his own rules of allowing players to vote for the next captain.
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“Pep was a little mad at me at first,” Silva, 31, told the Daily Mail. “I didn’t completely agree because I said, ‘Look, you know my decision. I’m going to leave within a year. Maybe it would be better for the club to pick a player to be captain for a little longer.’
“We talked again,” Silva added. “He decided to go for it and I was really honored. I thought it might be better for the club to have him stay for at least three, four or five more years.”
Bernardo Silva is one of Josep Guardiola’s most trusted Manchester City stars. (Image: PA Wire)
Silva released an emotional statement on social media last month announcing his departure from Etihad Airways. “My fellow citizens, when I came here nine years ago, I followed my little boy’s dream and wanted to succeed in life and achieve great things. This city and this club have given me all that and more, much more than I ever wanted.”
“What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart: the Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the Treble, the Four-in-Arrow… it wasn’t that bad.
“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.”
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“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 training ground made me feel at home and part of a big family.”
“Let’s enjoy the last few weeks together and fight for what this season has to offer us. We love you all, Bernardo.”
Silva’s last game in a City shirt could be the Premier League title decider against Aston Villa on the final day of the season.
And he could add another FA Cup winners’ medal to his trophy cabinet before he leaves as Chelsea await to play City at Wembley on Saturday.
