Bernardo Silva was once again on target providing an assist in Manchester City’s 6-0 rout of Nottingham Forest. However, it were his comments post the game that have made headlines. The Portuguese opened up about his future with the English champions, which has been a subject to speculation throughout the summer transfer window.
First Barcelona, then PSG were in a two-horse to acquire the services of Bernardo who was ready to leave the blue part of the Manchester. However, as the deadline-day has arrived the attacker made his decision over his future public after the Forest game. The 28-year-old has decided to continue with Pep Guardiola’s side as no offer has met City’s evaluation to prize him away from the Etihad.
Bernardo Silva reveals he’s ‘happy’ at the club despite failed attempt to leave
Barcelona were the first ones to register their firm interest in Bernardo Silva this summer. The Catalans’ manager Xavi was reportedly head-over-heels to acquire the services of the playmaker for his project at Camp Nou. Moreover, with the signings they pulled-off in Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Frank Kessie, it seemed Barca would be able to land Bernardo from City as well.
However, their dream to sign Bernardo depended on the departure of Frenkie de Jong who rejected a move away to Manchester United or Chelsea. Barca were hoping to raise in the excess of £70 million through the midfielder’s sale in a bid to use those funds for the acquisition of the former Monaco playmaker.
But De Jong never left and Bernardo never arrived at Camp Nou. As a result, Paris Saint-Germain jumped in the line ahead of the Catalans, reportedly tabling a bid of £60 million for the City player. The Premier League side rejected the offer out of hand as it was well below their demand of £80 million. Now that, Bernardo Silva has himself announced his decision of ‘NOT’ leaving Man City on the deadline-day.
Speaking after Forest game, he said: “I’m going to stay at Manchester City. I haven’t received any offers. I’m staying in Manchester, here I’m happy and the decision has been made.”
Further on, Pep Guardiola too insisted last week that he ‘loves’ the 28-year-old and won’t sell him at any cost. Guardiola had said: “..He [Bernardo Silva] is irreplaceable in many ways for us. He’s so important for us, he can play in four or five positions. And it’s not just on the pitch, it’s off it too. In the locker room, I want him here so much.”
Pep has further backed his comments in the post-match presser of the Nottingham game, revealing there have been no late offers for his player. “He will stay here, absolutely. We didn’t have any phone calls from any club regarding Bernardo Silva, so he is staying,” the Spaniard said.
Bernardo has enjoyed a trophy-laden five years at Man City, lifting a total of nine titles with the club. This season as well, he has started with a bang scoring 2 goals and providing as many assists in five games. The Portugal international’s current deal with the Cityzens runs through the summer of 2025 and looks set to remain with them in a quest to win the coveted Champions League trophy.