Bernardo Silva has confirmed he is staying at Manchester City despite long-standing interest from La Liga giants Barcelona over the course of the summer transfer window.
The Etihad fan-favourite has been the subject of relentless interest from the Catalan titans and at times it has looked as if Silva was readying himself for a Camp Nou switch. However, his most recent comments go some way toward quashing any speculation surrounding his potential exit this window.
“I'm staying in Manchester, here I'm happy and the decision has been made”, the midfielder told Barcelona-based radio station El Barça juga a RAC1. Silva started in City's rampant 6-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, which saw teammate Erling Haaland bag his second-hat-trick in as many games.
After five years, 11 trophies and four Premier League titles, many thought Silva would call time on his City career in favour of a new challenge. Such is Silva's skill, a number of European giants threw their hats in the ring to try and pry him away from Pep Guardiola's side.
French titans Paris Saint-Germain were another powerhouse touted with a switch for the Portugal international. City are not in a position where they could be cornered into selling one of their prized assets on the cheap, with the player's contract not expiring until the summer of 2025.
In turn, there is every chance Barcelona were simply priced out of a move for Silva considering their well-documented perilous financial situation.
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City have enjoyed a start to the season that would be regarded as exceptional by most other teams, but in truth is simply solid by their standards. They have played five games, won four and drawn one to Newcastle at St. James' Park.
In that same time frame, Silva has notched two goals and registered two assists. Manager Guardiola couldn't help but wax lyrical over the midfielder after last weekend's 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.
'Some players maybe step backwards and he [Silva] makes a step forward. That's why he is irreplaceable in many ways for us," Guardiola admitted.
"He's so important for us, he can play in four or five positions. And it's not just on the pitch, it's off it too. In the locker room, I want him here so much."
