“That’s his decision” – Bernardo Silva breaks silence on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City future

“That’s his decision” – Bernardo Silva breaks silence on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City future Silva says Guardiola “changed the way that I see football” as he reflects on nine years with Catalan Outgoing Man City captain hopes to remain friends with Guardiola after former’s departure Midfielder says Pep staying would be “obviously better” for the club but that it’s his decision alone Bernardo Silva delivered a heartfelt tribute to Pep Guardiola after Manchester City lifted the FA Cup by beating Chelsea in the final on Saturday. Silva departs the Etihad Stadium as a free agent in June, having confirmed his exit earlier this season after nine years that have yielded six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and a host of other honours. In conversation with BBC Sport after winning his second trophy as Manchester City captain, the Portugal international reflected fondly on his personal relationship with Guardiola and the wider question of if the 55-year-old will be on the Etihad Stadium touchline next season.

Pep Guardiola: Part of me is leaving Manchester City with ‘special’ Bernardo Silva Bernardo: Pep changed the way I see football Silva was unusually candid about the depth of what Guardiola has meant to him as a footballer and as a person. “He changed the way that I see football,” he said. “Nine years, so 80 perent of my career more or less was with him as my manager.

“All of the things that I ever hoped for achieving was under him and the relationship with him has got very strong; with the frustrations, the achievements. “And I hope that now that I’m leaving, one day when I come back to the same city where he is we can go for dinner, have lunch and be friends. ” The image of Silva hoping to remain in Guardiola’s circle after leaving the club is consistent with what Guardiola himself has said about the Portuguese in recent weeks.

The City manager warned he would cry if he spoke too much about Silva’s departure after a 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal in April, insisting his name should be “written in capital letters” when describing him as a legend. The feeling, it is clear, is mutual. “If I talk a lot, I’ll cry” – Pep Guardiola’s emotional message to Bernardo Silva ahead of Manchester City exit Pep staying is obviously better but that’s his decision: Silva Turning to the subject of Guardiola’s future, Silva was careful to respect the boundaries of what is ultimately a private decision, while leaving no doubt about his own preference.