Bernardo Silva has decided not to make a call on his future and instead settle on a new club after the World Cup.
The Portuguese star has just called time on a decade at Manchester City, leaving as one of their most decorated players, but will play for his country without knowing where he’ll play his football next season.
Bernardo opted against signing a new deal at the Etihad and is now free to pick his next destination, with the initial expectation that decision would be made immiently. However, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes has now told Fabrizio Romano: “Bernardo will decide after World Cup.”
The 31-year-old has previously been linked with moves away from Manchester but ultimately decided to see out his contract. No one was used more by Pep Guardiola than the playmaker, who proved to be hugely versatile.
Barcelona have a long-term interest and remain keen on the ex-Monaco man. Bernardo was born in Lisbon and played for Benfica early in his career with an emotional return also an option. His influence on games highlights that he can continue performing at the top level.
Bernardo enjoyed an emotional farewell on the final day of the Premier League season. He admitted: “I didn’t sleep that well last night. I wasn’t really in very condition to play, I started crying a lot in the dressing room, which for a game isn’t very good,
“We couldn’t play our best game (against Aston Villa ) but today was a celebration. I’m really happy for all the guys that came for Ederson, for Gundo (Gundogan), for Johnny boy (Stones), for me and for Pep.I’m just really proud that I was a part of this fantastic generation.
View 2 ImagesBernardo Silva enjoyed an emotional farewell in Manchester(Image: Getty Images)
“This group of people that are just a family for me! The love that we got from these guys, me personally I doubt, I don’t think I will ever get it again. What we were part of was something truly special and this will forever be my family, my second home and I’m just really grateful that I was a part of it!”
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Bernardo will be part of a Portugal outfit that will seek to win their first ever World Cup when they play in North America this summer. The midfielder has won 107 caps for his country but is yet to make it past the quarter-finals of a major tournament.
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