Humberto Coelho, one of Benfica’s greatest figures and a former Portugal international, has shared his view on the ongoing discussion surrounding Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva’s potential return to Lisbon.
Speaking to [**A Bola**](https://x.com/abolapt/status/1986471352342138936), the club legend said he has “no doubts” that the Portuguese star will eventually wear the red shirt again, regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election.
_“I know that, no matter who the president is, Bernardo Silva will return to Benfica,”_ Coelho stated. _“Right now, it’s impossible to bring him back. He’s at an extraordinary club where he earns a fortune. But I’m sure that one day he’ll come back.”_
Coelho drew a parallel with his own career, recalling the time he left Benfica for Paris Saint-Germain due to financial reasons. _“I went to PSG when Benfica was going through financial difficulties. I went to earn money and then I came back. Just like Bernardo will,”_ he explained.
When asked whether a possible Rui Costa victory in the elections could affect that scenario, Coelho was emphatic. _“It doesn’t change anything. He’ll come back with any president because that’s what he wants. To finish his career at Benfica,”_ he said.
The former player, who also worked closely with Bernardo Silva at the Portuguese Football Federation, was full of praise for the midfielder’s personality. _“He’s an extraordinary person. He has character, strength, intelligence, and he’s very kind. He speaks several languages. He’s a fantastic person and a fantastic player,”_ Coelho added.
The comments add yet another angle to the political and emotional debate that has dominated Portuguese football over recent weeks.
While João Noronha Lopes has made Silva’s return a campaign promise, Coelho’s view suggests that, regardless of who leads Benfica next, the Manchester City star’s homecoming is only a matter of time.