With Bernardo Silva having just signed a new three-year contract with Manchester City, the Portuguese media has been making big noise about it.
The midfielder had been heavily surrounded by transfer rumours this summer, and his stay at Pep Guardiola’s side is big news.
Today, Silva’s father Paulo was interviewed by Radio Renascença. In quotes relayed by A Bola, he talked about the possibility of the player’s return to Benfica.
The midfielder’s dad claimed that the new contract with Manchester City should have nothing to do with his plans to move to Lisbon, even though there’s great affection for the Eagles.
“Year by year and step by step we’re seeing what the opportunities are, we cannot make a decision in three years based on a hypothesis that may or may not happen. Obviously Bernardo is a Benfica fan and wants to return to Benfica.
“Is it three years from now? It doesn’t seem to me that the decision to extend with City for another year is related to going to Benfica when he turns 32. It could be a possibility, which is a strong possibility in fact, but I wouldn’t put it as a preparation for that.”
Bernardo Silva grew at Benfica’s youth ranks, but ended up getting an early transfer to Monaco and never managed to perform for the club like he wanted to. That’s why his comeback is a frequent subject in the Portuguese press.
Paulo Silva also talked about the rumours that had been around the player, and confirmed that most of them were true, claiming that at least three clubs had been interested in taking him away from Manchester City this summer.
“There was in fact a proposal and an intention to buy from Saudi Arabia that started in June. There was also a very strong approximation, with a proposal and will on the part of PSG.
“And there was continuity of interest from Barcelona, which year after year has wanted Bernardo in the squad. Of course, there was also a desire to keep Bernardo at City. Things were structured and the decision was made with our feet on the ground.”
