Pep Guardiola has expressed his gratitude to Bernardo Silva for the Manchester City midfielder’s performances in a difficult spell this season.
Silva scored the opener as Manchester City took control of their Champions League destiny with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad.
Bernardo Silva scores his first goal since Boxing Day as he fires into the back of the net for Man City! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/LTclNjHAIF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 22, 2025
The Portugal international has been linked with an exit after eight seasons at Eastlands, in which Silva has been an integral part of the club’s success.
However, Guardiola was keen to praise the 30-year-old for his performances in more trying circumstances this season. He said he does not ‘forget’ the effort Silva displayed when City endured a challenging winless run through the winter months.
“Bernardo, what he has done for us this season… I don’t forget! I don’t forget November, December, January, February, March when we didn’t win one single game, and he was always there,” Guardiola said after the win over Villa.
“Running 30 kilometres every way, playing different positions, running, and there was a moment that he was empty, mentally. And after that not winning games, he was tired, he was empty.
“But Bernardo, in the important games, has an incredibly huge personality.”
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