Bernardo Silva issues huge update on next club as Barcelona interest acknowledged
Outgoing Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has directly addressed his future while away preparing for the upcoming World Cup with Portugal.
Silva’s Manchester City contract will officially expire at the end of the month, meaning he will become available on a free transfer in July.
The 31-year-old decided against signing a new contract with City, bringing an end to his nine-year association with the club.
The Portugal international leaves as one of City's greatest-ever players, making 460 appearances for the club and helping the side win six Premier League titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups, three Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League title, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.
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Barcelona have been heavily linked with signing Silva, although they are reportedly only able to offer him a salary of £80,000 per week – a significant decrease on his earnings at City. However, this is not expected to make or break any potential move. Barcelona may also benefit from the fact that the player has close family living in Catalonia.
Meanwhile, Silva continues to be linked with a return to his boyhood club Benfica, as well as La Liga side Atlético Madrid, with The Times reporting that both clubs have offered him contracts.
Silva issues update on next club
Despite a decision being expected ahead of the World Cup earlier this week, his agent, Jorge Mendes, suggested that may not be the case.
"Bernardo Silva changed plans and will decide his future after the World Cup," Fabrizio Romano reported.
"The initial plan was before the World Cup, but Silva understands nothing is done yet and now plans to focus on Portugal."
Romano added that Mendes told him: "Bernardo will decide after the World Cup."
Then, on Saturday evening (June 6), Silva directly addressed the situation, acknowledging interest from Barcelona.
Speaking via Romano, he said: "Barcelona is one of the options, but I've not made any final decision yet.
"There are many options, and I have respect for all interested clubs.
"In the end, I'm going to try to find a team where they want me, where I feel they really love me. That is very important and, the day I make my decision, they will know."
Silva will form part of Portugal's World Cup squad, with the side hoping to win the tournament for the first time.
Luke Davies