Bernardo Silva's emotional finale at Man City

Midfielder Bernardo Silva has officially said goodbye to Manchester City after 9 years, ending a successful journey with an emotional moment at the Etihad Stadium in the final match of the season against Aston Villa.

Bernardo Silva's farewell moment with Man City. (Source: Getty Images)

Leaving the pitch in the 58th minute, Silva was given a standing ovation by both Manchester City and Aston Villa players midway through the match. The Portuguese midfielder embraced manager Pep Guardiola in tears as he walked off the Etihad Stadium pitch for the last time.

Even before the match started, Silva couldn't hide his emotions and broke down in tears while preparing to play.

In an interview with Portuguese channel Canal 11 , the 31-year-old revealed that he had actually decided to leave Man City two years ago. “It was a decision I made two years ago, that I would finish my contract and then leave the club. Once I made the decision, I knew I wouldn’t change my mind,” Silva said.

Joining Man City from AS Monaco in 2017 for a fee of £43 million, Silva has become one of the most successful players in the club's history. He has made 460 appearances, scored 76 goals, and won a total of 20 major and minor titles, including 6 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, and 3 FA Cups.

"When I came here, I never thought I would stay for nine years. But after everything I've achieved, I feel this is the right time to seek a new challenge," Silva shared.

Wearing the Manchester City shirt, Silva and David Silva formed one of the most technically gifted midfield pairings under manager Pep Guardiola. That was also the period when Man City achieved 100 points in the Premier League, won the domestic treble, and later completed a historic treble with the Champions League.

The Portuguese midfielder also expressed his gratitude to coach Pep Guardiola: “In terms of tactics, especially in the attacking aspect, Pep is on another level. Every coach should have the opportunity to work with him for at least one season to understand his vision of football.”

Concluding his nearly decade-long journey at the Etihad Stadium, Silva stated that he will always have a special affection for Manchester City and will forever remain a fan of the club. The veteran midfielder shared that he leaves with gratitude for the wonderful treatment he received from the club, his teammates, and the fans throughout his time there.

Not only Silva, but defender John Stones also received a guard of honor from both teammates and opposing players as he left the field in the 78th minute. Striker Erling Haaland, even though he wasn't playing, went onto the pitch to hug his teammate in a very emotional moment.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/doan-ket-xuc-dong-cua-bernardo-silva-tai-man-city-397661.html