Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City at the end of the season | OneFootball

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva (31) will leave the club this summer after confirming he will depart when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, BBC Sport reports.

The 31-year-old Portugal midfielder has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players since arriving from Monaco in 2017, becoming a central figure in the most successful era in City’s history. Silva has won 19 major trophies during his time in Manchester and has made 451 appearances in all competitions, placing him among the club’s top 10 appearance makers.

In an emotional farewell message, Silva said he hoped supporters felt “proud and well represented” by his commitment on the pitch. “I arrived as a Man City player,” he said. “I leave as one more of you, a Man City supporter for life.”

Silva’s departure will be felt deeply inside the club, not only for his quality and versatility but also for his leadership. He was handed the captain’s armband at the start of the season following Kevin de Bruyne’s exit and has remained a constant presence during a campaign in which City are still chasing major honours.

City remain in contention for the Premier League title and face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals next weekend, meaning Silva could yet add to his already remarkable collection before he leaves.

While his next destination has not been confirmed, Silva’s exit marks the end of a defining chapter in Guardiola’s City reign, and the departure of a player who embodied its intensity, intelligence and relentless standards.

GFN | Finn Entwistle