Bernardo Silva bids Man City farewell after 9 years, 19 trophies
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bernardo Silva has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City, expressing deep gratitude to the club and its supporters ahead of his final appearance at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 25 May 2025. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined City in 2017, will leave as a free agent following the club's last Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, drawing the curtain on a nine-year chapter that spanned the most decorated era in the club's history.
Nine Years, 19 Trophies
Over 451 appearances, Silva accumulated a trophy cabinet that few players at any club can match. His haul includes six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League crown, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup — 19 major trophies in total. He also recently moved into the top 10 of Manchester City's all-time appearance makers, surpassing club legends David Silva, Paul Power, and Willie Donachie.
What Silva Said
In a video released by the club, Silva reflected on what he considers his greatest achievement — not the silverware, but the bond forged with supporters. 'In the end, this is about entertainment and the main thing that football players should do is make the fans, the people that go to the stadium, feel well represented, feel that a part of them is inside the pitch and when you have that connection, when you feel it, when the fans feel that winning or losing, the players left it all on the pitch, when you create that bond between players and fans, you're a step closer to winning,' he said.
He added: 'Nine years, it's a very long time. I have so many good memories with this club. I'm very happy to be part of the Manchester City team. It's been a really fantastic journey for me. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be at a top club fighting for titles every year. I will always be very grateful to this club.'
Goals, Assists, and Midfield Impact
Beyond trophies, Silva's on-pitch numbers underline his consistency. The 31-year-old contributed 76 goals and 77 assists across all competitions — figures that place him among the most productive midfielders in Premier League history at a single club. His ability to operate as both a creative hub and a pressing engine made him central to manager Pep Guardiola's system across multiple title-winning cycles.
What Comes Next
Silva's departure marks the end of an era at the Etihad, with City already navigating a transitional season following their first trophyless campaign in several years. As a free agent, the Portuguese international is expected to attract significant interest from clubs across Europe. His final bow against Aston Villa on Sunday will be watched closely by a fanbase that regards him as one of the club's all-time greats.