A new video has revealed 18 trophies arranged on the Etihad Stadium’s pitch on Thursday, sparking rumours of a potential Pep Guardiola farewell.
Follow-up reports have confirmed the filming is for a tribute to Bernardo Silva, who is set to end his legendary nine-year stay at the club.
While the video is not for the manager, speculation remains high regarding Guardiola’s future.
A video emerging from within the Etihad Stadium appearing to showcase some form of farewell video being shot on the pitch has been clarified in follow-up reports.
The footage surfaced on Thursday afternoon, just hours after Manchester City’s clinical and crucial 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace to remain within touching distance of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Given that Pep Guardiola has seemingly entered into a period of reflection regarding his tenure at the club, many have feared preparations for digital assets and content around an exit announcement were underway.
The timing of the production, however, aligns with Manchester City’s policy of preparing high-end commemorative content for their high-profile and long-serving stars well in advance of their final home game.
But while the remaining three matches across competitions will no doubt be filled with emotion for Bernardo Silva and John Stones, the focus must firmly be placed on the pitch with an FA Cup Final against Chelsea on the horizon, and the final two top-flight fixtures.
Why 18 trophies have been placed on the Etihad pitch
Hours after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in their penultimate home match of the 2025/26 season, the club appear to have been at work on the pitch filming some content regarding a high-profile exit this summer.
As revealed by Stretford Paddock on X, 18 trophies have been placed onto the Etihad Stadium pitch, leading to some speculating as to whether it was the biggest indicator yet of a potential Pep Guardiola exit at the end of the campaign.
However, as reported by journalist Ben Jacobs, the video is due to be part of Bernardo Silva’s farewell from Manchester City after the Portugal international’s nine years and 18 trophies at the club.
On the subject of Pep Guardiola’s future, the same report reaffirms the possibility of the Catalan departing this summer despite Manchester City continuing to point towards his contract expiring in the summer 2027.
Life after Bernardo Silva and John Stones
The departure of Bernardo Silva marks the end of an era for a player who has arguably been Manchester City’s most selfless and versatile servant, particularly in the eyes of head coach Guardiola.
Since arriving from AS Monaco in the summer of 2017, the Portuguese midfielder has been the midfield engine of the squad, and his 18-trophy haul mirrors the club’s rise to dominance in English football.
The realisation that Bernardo Silva is entering his final weeks in sky blue – likely destined for a move to Barcelona or Serie A – adds a layer of bittersweet emotion to the ongoing title charge and pursuit of a domestic double or treble.
The place left by Bernardo Silva and John Stones will force sporting director Hugo Viana into a summer of recruitment and analysis of the first-team, with Vitor Reis earmarked for a return after his loan at Girona, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson believed to be the No.1 target in central midfield.