“When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible to say no” — Silva hails “the greatest club in football history” | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva has said it was 'impossible to say no' to Real Madrid this summer, calling the Spanish side the 'the greatest club in football history'.

Silva has signed for Real Madrid on a free transfer fromManchester City, following a decorated nine-year spell in the Premier League.

The Portugal midfielder won 19 trophies across his time at the Etihad, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Silva now has his sights set on more silverware, having linked up with his new club for the first time. Despite interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the 31-year-old said the lure of Real Madrid was impossible to turn down this summer.

"Having played against Real Madrid many times, you can feel the importance of the club and how great it is to be here, how immense it is to play at the Bernabéu, which is a very imposing stadium,"he said.

"When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible to say no. I didn’t think twice. Being close to my family, very near to Portugal, in a culture that is very similar, also helps. But the dream of playing for the greatest club in football history, as its titles prove, is a privilege, and I am very happy."

Bernardo Silva signs for Real Madrid, targets silverware under returning boss José Mourinho

Silva has spent almost a decade working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and now has the chance to work with another of the generation's greatest coaches.

Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid this summer, with Silva excited about the prospect of working under his compatriot.

"We have been rivals a few times, and now we are on the same side. I am very happy because he is a coach who means a lot to Portuguese football. Since I was young, we watched his teams a lot, and he has always elevated Portugal's name to the highest level. I am very happy to start and learn from him."