Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will remain at Manchester City this season after being named as one of the club's four captains for the upcoming campaign
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Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva celebrates scoring a goal
Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva has clarified his future
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Bernardo Silva has committed to another season with Manchester City, even hinting at a leadership role as part of Pep Guardiola's captaincy group.
The Portuguese midfielder, on the cusp of his contract's final year, has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move away from the Etihad Stadium after eight seasons.
Despite interest from clubs including Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, Silva has chosen to stay put, a decision that might see him donning the captain's armband in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Manager Pep Guardiola has indicated that Silva will be among the four players he will handpick for the team's leadership roles, breaking away from his usual practice of letting the squad choose their captains.
Silva expressed his loyalty to the club saying: "This season will for sure be with Man City. I'm going to stay.
"I've had options in the past and this year but, like last year, this year my option is to stay at Man City."
While preparing for City's Club World Cup opener against Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia, Silva remained coy about his long-term future, stating: "I know what I'm going to do but it's not the time to talk about that. I'm very focused on my season and performing well for Man City. When the time is due I will talk about it."
Guardiola's decision to personally select his captains comes as a response to an unsatisfactory previous season.
Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland were the four players publicly named by Guardiola on Tuesday.
Silva received the highest praise, indicating that when fit and chosen, it will be the ex-Monaco playmaker who captains the team.
"I'm the manager and this season, for the first time in my career, I decided who is to be my captain," Guardiola declared.
"I wasn't pleased with what happened last season and I decided this season who represents the team. Sometimes I want to be the boss!
"I think Bernardo has been an incredible figure for us. Eight years here, no injuries, always steps up in the tough moments, sets the example on the pitch.
"There's no need to mention Ruben. He has been (the same as Silva), and Rodri at the same time."
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These three players all featured in the leadership group last season, along with Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne, but the promotion of 24 year old Haaland is a new development.
The prolific striker signed a 10-year contract in January and, after netting 121 goals in 142 City appearances, is ready for the step up.
Guardiola stated: "He has to start to learn what does it mean to be a captain because he will be here, hopefully for many, many years.
"Sooner or later he will take that position as the first one. I made (the decision) because he's incredibly respected. He's an important figure for us."