Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will be leaving Manchester City when his contract expires this summer.
The 31-year-old has spent nine years under Pep Guardiola in the North of England, winning everything on offer to him and becoming one of the club’s most successful players.
During his time in Manchester, the Portuguese international has captained the club, and won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield and Super Cup.
He will recieve a farewell tribute from the club at the final home game of the 2025-26 season, before exploring his options in the summer.
Silva’s message to City fans
Silva penned a message to City fans, explaining his decision.
“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
“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 9 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.
“Love you all, Bernardo”
Club pay tribute to legend
City themselves had some words for Silva, which were published on their club website.
“Manchester City can confirm Bernardo Silva will leave the Club this summer.
“The Portuguese playmaker joined City in 2017 and has gone on to make 451 appearances during a glorious nine-year stay with the Blues.
“The 31-year-old’s contribution to our greatest sustained period of success is incalculable.
“To date, he has won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cup triumphs, five Carabao Cup successes, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal, with Bernardo most latterly captaining the Club to 2026 Carabao Cup glory against Arsenal.
“Alongside that phenomenal trophy haul, a tally of 76 goals and 77 assists further illustrate Bernardo’s magnificent all-round contribution to the City cause.
“He recently moved into the top 10 of all-time City appearance holders, overtaking a host of other notable former players, including David Silva, Paul Power and Willie Donachie.
“Bernardo will now focus on seeking to try and ensure his remaining time at City ends with even more silverware, with Pep Guardiola’s side still very much in the hunt to win both the Premier League title and the FA Cup.
“In short, he will be deservedly remembered both as one of City’s finest and most popular players of all time.”
