Bernardo Silva confirmed he will leave Manchester City on a free transfer this summer after nine years at the club, during which time he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League
13:29, 16 Apr 2026Updated 13:31, 16 Apr 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Manchester City's Bernardo Silva during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on April 12, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Bernardo Silva is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has issued a heartfelt statement announcing his exit from the Etihad Stadium following a nine-year stint at the club. The Portuguese midfielder has secured six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, one Champions League and one Club World Cup during his tenure with the Citizens.
He's amongst the club's most successful players but the 31-year-old will depart on a free transfer when his deal runs out this summer. Posting on social media, Silva said: "Cityzens, when I arrived 9 years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things.
"This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart. The Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the Treble, the Four In A Row and much more... It wasn't that bad.
Bernardo Silva attacking midfield of Manchester City and Portugal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Bernardo Silva will leave City at the end of his contract(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"In a few months it's time to say goodbye to the city where not only we won so much as a football club, but also where I started my marriage and my family. From the bottom of my heart, Ines and Carlota, thank you!
"To the fans, your unconditional support throughout the years is something that I will never forget. My main goal as a player was to always play with passion so you guys could feel proud and well represented on the pitch.
"I hope you felt that every single game. I arrived as a Man City player, I leave as one more of you, a Man City supporter for life. Keep supporting this young team and I'm pretty sure they will bring you a lot of new fantastic memories in the future.
"To the club, Pep, the staff and all my teammates these nine years, thank you for all the memories and for letting me be a part of this journey for so long.
"The atmosphere we created every day in the training ground made me feel at home and a part of a big family. Let's enjoy together these last weeks and fight for what this season still brings us."
Speaking earlier this month, Guardiola joked that he was livid with Silva for failing to tell him about his City exit, maintaining that no choice had been made regarding his future, although assistant manager Pep Lijnders hinted at the beginning of April that Silva's summer exit was confirmed.
"I'm so grumpy with Bernardo because a month ago I said 'if you take a decision I have to be the first to [know]' and he didn't say anything to me yet," Guardiola said. "I think the proper one must be Bernardo, I don't know if he has already decided. I said, jokingly, 'tell me I deserve it' but he didn't tell me so I don't know what's going on.
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"It looks like a farewell press conference for Bernardo - he didn't tell me! I'm pretty sure all the managers he has had would say how much they love him because he is always thinking, he is incredibly competitive, has a fire inside and always in the toughest moments on the biggest stages he is always there.
"Big, big games, it's not about playing good or playing bad, it is being yourself and not being afraid. Bernie has had all of these attributes since the first day he arrived from Monaco. He has been an incredible signing for us and because I love this club amazingly I would love him to stay and finish his career here but he's going to decide his decision when he is going to decide and announce to the club, to the media, and everyone.
"But he has been an incredible signing for numbers and minutes and titles and especially in bad moments. I define players in bad moments when everything is difficult, how he always made a step up and said I'm here to help."