Bernardo Silva has announced he will be leaving Manchester City after nine successful years at the club.
Silva’s time at Manchester City stands as a story of consistency, intelligence, and lasting impact.
In his farewell message posted on his X account, on April 16, Silva described arriving in Manchester as a young player chasing dreams and leaving with far more than he imagined, both professionally and personally.
He highlighted the special bond with the fans, thanked the club for making him feel at home, and noted that Manchester is where he built his family. He also said he arrived as a City player but leaves as a lifelong supporter, urging fans to continue backing the team.
The Portuguese midfielder joined City in 2017 from AS Monaco and went on to become one of the most trusted players under Pep Guardiola. Over nine seasons, Silva played a key role in one of the most dominant eras in English football, which delivered multiple Premier League titles, domestic trophies, the “Centurions” season, and the historic Treble. Known for his versatility, work rate and technical quality, he became a regular figure across different positions in Guardiola’s system.
Remarkably, Silva’s fitness record stood out throughout his stay—he missed just nine matches due to injury in nine years, underlining his durability and reliability at the highest level.
Speaking recently in an interview, Guardiola praised Silva’s unique qualities, describing him as
“One of the best players I’ve ever seen…the best decision I made this season.
“He’s an incredible competitor with a fire inside him—always there in the toughest moments. For nine years, he’s led by example, always training well, always playing, always putting the team first. He’s been an incredible signing.
He also highlighted Silva’s intelligence and selflessness, calling him a player every manager dreams of having.
Beyond his performances, Silva built a strong bond with the fans and the club, leaving not just as a decorated player but as one of the defining figures of Manchester City’s modern success.
