Manchester City ‘Know What I Want,’ says Bernardo Silva as he addresses rumors of a transfer to FC Barcelona
In a recent interview, Bernardo Silva confirmed rumors that he will be leaving Manchester City for FC Barcelona.
After signing Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, the only player left on Barca first team coach Xavi Hernandez’s transfer wish list is the Portuguese international.
The 27-year-old midfielder was asked about his future in an interview with ESPN published the next day, following reports that City and the Catalans had reached an agreement for his transfer.
I’ve always said I love it here, but I really have no idea what the future holds,” Silva said.
“Really, it all depends on how things play out. I have an open and honest relationship with the club. They know exactly what I’m after because I’ve been honest with them.
“If I am allowed to remain, I will be very happy, and I promise to always treat this club with the utmost respect and to do my best for them. If not, well, that’s football, and you never know “The implication was his.
They went on to ask Silva if, should he decide to leave his current club, he would expect the same treatment as Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, who were both recently allowed to leave the Premier League champions.
They don’t want players who aren’t happy there,” Silva said of the club’s size.
“Everyone here is told repeatedly that they can leave if they are unhappy. Personally, I have a very respectful relationship with the club, but I understand that they are a business and they want to make a profit by releasing us. Both they and I have always been forthright in our dealings with one another.
As Silva put it, “whatever happens happens and for sure, it will happen in a very respectful way.” This includes Silva’s relationship with Man City, the fans, the staff, and his teammates.
Barca has only three weeks left before the transfer window closes, so they must move quickly to sign Silva and possibly trade Frenkie de Jong.
Reportedly, it is president Joan Laporta’s “dream” to have both men in the first team squad for 2022/2023, but Barca and De Jong are currently at odds over the extension of the Dutchman’s contract signed in 2020.