Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva has enjoyed a lot of success at Manchester City.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Silva has won three Premier League titles, four Carabao Cup trophies and an FA Cup. He has played an important role in City’s domestic dominance, providing 45 goals and 47 assists during his stint in Manchester.
This season, in particular, has elevated Silva’s status as a top player. He has been instrumental in getting Man City to the top of the Premier League and flying in the Champions League.
In the absence of star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne through injury and Covid-19, the 27-year-old stepped up as a leader for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Portuguese midfielder has contributed 10 goals and three assists, with an average Sofascore rating of 7.2.
Silva’s key role in Man City’s season is a far cry from when he was looking to leave the Citizens.
Rumours of Man City exit
In the summer of 2021, Bernardo was heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City. He was reportedly unhappy with being in Manchester.
Manchester City signing Jack Grealish, a player who filled a similar role to Bernardo at the time, further signalled that the end of Silva’s stay at the club could be nigh.
The Portuguese midfielder was linked with a move to Spain, with Atletico Madrid heavily rumoured to be his next destination.
Manager Pep Guardiola was willing to let Bernardo leave, saying: “All I want is for Bernardo to be happy, here or anywhere. All I want is his happiness because he’s a guy that deserves the best.”
Ultimately, City did not receive a good enough offer for him, so Bernardo decided to stay for another season. Guardiola adjusted his position in the side by playing Silva as a more central midfielder.
Now, Silva has explained more about the real reason why he wanted to leave Manchester.
Why did Bernardo Silva want to leave Man City?
Speaking to The Times, Bernardo has revealed how the Covid-19 pandemic made him homesick.
“People suffered much more than us, but for me it was tough because I was far away from my family,” the midfielder said.
“Before [COVID], I used to go to Portugal for a couple of days and have dinner with my Mum and Dad. To not be able to do that was difficult. It was not a nice moment, to be honest.”
The homesickness affected Bernardo’s performance on the pitch too.
“I was feeling a little bit alone at the time in England, and I wasn’t very happy with my life. And if you’re not happy, you don’t do your job as well as you do when you are happy.
“I had a talk with the club because I wasn’t happy with my life here, and I wanted to be closer to my family.”
However, Bernardo insisted Man City were not the issue in his desire to leave. “It had nothing to do with the club,” he explained. “I love Manchester City. I love my teammates, the fans, the club.
“Afterwards, nothing happened. I stayed, and I will always give my best for this club as long as I stay here.”
His decision was good news for Pep Guardiola, as Silva has been a standout performer. City fans have hope for the future too. The Portuguese midfielder and City have held initial talks about extending his contract at the Etihad, which would tie him down to a longer-term stay in Manchester.
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