Bernardo Silva delays next club decision until after the World Cup
Former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva will delay deciding on his next club until after this summer’s World Cup in North America.
The 31-year-old recently called time on a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium after opting against signing a new contract.
Initially expected to announce his next destination imminently, the Portuguese playmaker has now chosen to focus entirely on international duty.
His agent Jorge Mendes confirmed the sudden change of plan to reporters, stating: “Bernardo will decide after World Cup.”
An emotional Etihad exit
The versatile attacker enjoyed an emotional send-off on the final day of the Premier League season.
Admitting he struggled to sleep before the fixture against Aston Villa, the former Monaco man revealed the extent of his emotions behind the scenes.
“I wasn’t really in very good condition to play, I started crying a lot in the dressing room, which for a game isn’t very good,” he admitted.
Despite the bittersweet nature of the day, the match ultimately served as a heartfelt celebration of an era-defining squad under Pep Guardiola.
What we were part of was something truly special and this will forever be my family, my second home and I’m just really grateful that I was a part of it.
Bernardo Silva
Weighing up future options
Barcelona retain a long-term interest in acquiring the free agent, while a romantic return to his boyhood club Benfica has also been touted.
However, those European suitors must now wait as the five-time Premier League winner turns his attention to securing a first-ever global triumph for his nation.
Earning 107 caps for his country, the veteran is eager to improve upon a frustrating record that has seen him fail to progress past a major tournament quarter-final.