“I think I will have the ability” – Manchester City star hints at future in coaching beyond retirement | OneFootball

Manchester City’s legendary central midfielder Bernardo Silva has revealed a desire to return to the game in a coaching capacity beyond his ongoing playing career.

The Portugal international is one of the most senior and influential figures inside Pep Guardiola’s dressing room, and has long been admired for his football intelligence, tactical versatility, and ability to interpret the manager’s complex positional play.

These traits have often fuelled speculation that Bernardo Silva could be a natural fit for a future in management once his decorated playing career comes to an end, and his leadership has grown even more pronounced since taking on increased responsibility through being handed the captain’s armband.

With the squad undergoing gradual evolution and several experienced teammates nearing crossroads in their own careers with others having already departed, the 31-year-old has become one of the squad’s most consistent pillars on and off the field.

Silva’s long-standing football education places him among the most tactically refined players of his generation, and those who have worked closely with him have tentatively noted him as a coach on the pitch through an understanding of multiple roles.

His comments about the next stages of his life arrive at a time when City continue planning for the long-term futures of several leaders, with Bernardo contracted until the end of the ongoing season.

Speaking in a new interview with DAZN, as relayed by A Bola and translated by Sport Witness, Bernardo Silva has opened up on his football career beyond the pitch and what the future could hold for himself.

“I don’t know if, when I finish my career, I will miss football or not. I think I will. Football brings a load of travel and energy that is difficult,” the Portugal international admitted.

He continued, “With 20 years, or more with the youth years I gave to football, I will want to spend time with my family. I will want to travel with my wife. I will want to give time to my children.”

But on the idea of returning to the game later down the line, Bernardo Silva explained, “I don’t know if I will want to give that time back to football after I finish my career.

“But without a doubt, if I return it will be as a coach, and I think I will have the ability to do it.”

Looking ahead, Bernardo Silva’s openness about a potential coaching future could be welcomed by the City hierarchy, who remain keen on keeping influential figures connected to the club in various capacities.

With Pep Guardiola’s own long-term future only guaranteed until the summer of 2027, City may eventually look to build a new generation of coaching talent that understands the foundations of his philosophy.

Silva stepping into coaching later in life could also follow a trend set by former Guardiola players – from Xabi Alonso to Vincent Kompany, who have transitioned seamlessly into management – and his experience would make him an attractive candidate for roles either within the City Football Group or elsewhere.