Bernardo Silva joins Real Madrid on two-year deal after nine years at Manchester City

Bernardo Silva has completed a move to Real Madrid, signing a two-year contract at the Bernabeu after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season. The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder departs the Etihad having spent nine years at the club, making him the player with the most appearances under Pep Guardiola.

Silva’s trophy haul at City was remarkable by any measure: six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and three Community Shields. In his only season as captain, he led the Blues to both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

In an emotional farewell following his final appearance for City against Aston Villa, Silva spoke candidly about his attachment to the club and its supporters. “It is really tough to put into words my feelings for Man City, towards you guys,” he said. “I don’t think I will feel the same love ever in my life. The love I got from you guys, I doubt I will ever get it again. All the memories we have together, with my brothers, it is a family and you will always be my family.”

On social media, Silva also paid tribute to Guardiola, the manager who signed him and shaped his career. “Before I joined the club, Pep was already an inspiration for me,” he wrote. “To become his player and after nine years end up being the one with most games played under him is truly an honour.”

He added: “A lot of the things that many managers in the past thought were weaknesses of my game, he saw as strengths and understood me from day one. For me personally, he was and will always be my father of football.”

At Real Madrid, Silva will work under Jose Mourinho, one of Guardiola’s most storied rivals, who was recently confirmed as the club’s new head coach. Silva is among Mourinho’s early signings at the Bernabeu, joining Marc Cucurella, who arrived from Chelsea.