Man City midfielder confirms he will stay at the club this season | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva says he will stay at Manchester City this season after being appointed as the club’s new captain.

Silva has been appointed as captain by boss Pep Guardiola, marking a change from previous years where the skipper is selected by the players.

The Portugal international has a year remaining on his current deal, but would not be drawn on his plans after that, though confirmed he will not be leaving City this summer.

“I know what I’m going to do but it’s not the time to talk about that,” Silva said.

“I’m very focused on my season. I’m very focused on performing well for Man City.

“When the time is due I will talk about it. I have one year on my contract so obviously I can leave next season. This season for sure will be at City, I’m going to stay.”

“I’ve had options in the past and this year, like last year, my option is to stay at Man City.”

Explaining his decision to name the captain himself, City head coach Guardiola suggested he was unhappy with how events unfolded last season, with former skipper Kyle Walker leaving on loan in January.

“I’m the manager and this season, for the first time in my career, I decided who is to be my captain,” said Guardiola.

“I didn’t like what happened last season and I decided this season who represents the team. Sometimes I want to be the boss.

“I think Bernardo had been an incredible figure for us. Eight years here, no injures, always in the bad moments he makes a step up, sets the example on the pitch.”

Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland have also been named to the group of captains, Guardiola revealed ahead of their opening Club World Cup game against Wydad AC.