Bernardo Silva reveals Pep Guardiola upset over Manchester City captaincy
Bernardo Silva has revealed that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was initially upset when the departing midfielder questioned taking the club captaincy.
The Portuguese playmaker will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign after a highly decorated nine-year spell.
Following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, Guardiola bypassed his usual squad vote to offer the armband directly to the 31-year-old.
Reluctance to take the armband
However, the former Monaco player felt a longer-term candidate would be better suited for the role given his impending exit.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the midfielder explained the difficult phone conversation that led to the disagreement.
“Pep was a bit upset with me initially,” Silva said.
“We didn’t agree completely because I said, ‘Look, you know my decision. I’m going to leave in one year. Maybe it’s better for the club if you choose the guy that’s going to be a captain a bit more long-term.'”
A lasting legacy in Manchester
Despite the initial friction, the Spanish coach insisted on his decision, and the player ultimately accepted the honour for his final season.
“We talked again, he decided to go through with it, and I was really honoured,” he added.
The creative talisman has been instrumental to an era of unprecedented domestic dominance since arriving for £43m in 2017.
His staggering haul of 19 major trophies includes six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a historic domestic treble.
Emotional farewell to the Etihad
Confirmation of his summer departure arrived last month via a heartfelt social media statement addressed to the club’s supporters.
“What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart,” he wrote.
“In a few months it’s time to say goodbye to the city where not only we won so much as a football club, but also where I started my marriage and my family.”
He concluded by thanking the fans for their unconditional support throughout his glittering tenure in English football.