Bernardo Silva left the club this summer: I'll be a Manchester City fan for the rest of my life.

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has officially announced that he will end his illustrious nine-year career with the club this summer.

The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder won 20 major trophies with Manchester City during his time there, making him the player with the most titles in the club's history, and also the player with the most appearances in Guardiola's managerial career.

In his final interview with the club, Bernardo eloquently expressed his reluctance to leave the team: "It's difficult because nine years is a very long time. I want to say that I am leaving as a Manchester City supporter."

“When I came here from Portugal, I was a Benfica fan, but now I can say with absolute certainty that my feelings for this club are very, very strong. I will support Manchester City for the rest of my life.”

When asked about his reasons for leaving at the peak of his career to seek a new environment, Bernardo humbly stated, "Our generation has won a lot of championships. Now it's time for these young lads to have their moment."

“For me personally, this is an opportunity to be closer to my family. I’ve been separated from them for quite some time. I also want a new challenge, and although I love it here, I feel now is the right time to take on a new challenge.”

The diminutive Bernardo shrank significantly during his youth academy years, but it was Guardiola's "small-statured trio" at Barcelona that inspired him. Now a midfield maestro, he reflects: "15 years ago, because of my size, Benfica didn't believe in me, and I could only watch Pep's team. Now, I'm the player with the most appearances for this team, which is truly special."

Image source: Internet