Bernardo Silva is close to leaving City

Dutchman Pep Lijnders, assistant coach for Manchester City, said in a statement that seemed to confirm the departure of current Portuguese captain Bernardo Silva at the end of the current season, after spending nine years with the English club: “Every story has an end.”

Lijnders, assistant to Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, added: “It will be difficult” to find a replacement for the 31-year-old attacking midfielder, because “when he does not play it shows how much we miss him.” He continued: “But every story has an end, and I hope he enjoys these few remaining days, as there are only six weeks left, and that he receives a farewell worthy of him.”

Since joining City in 2017, coming from Monaco, Silva has participated in 450 matches, winning 18 titles, including 6 league titles and one Champions League title.

The Portuguese international player's contract expires at the end of the current season.

Guardiola's assistant added: “Bernardo Silva is a unique player. The way he controls matches, his movements, receiving the ball, directing the game, and seeing opportunities... all of these qualities make him an exceptional and incomparable player.”

City still has a chance to win the league title, as it occupies second place in the Premier League with 61 points from 30 matches, 9 points behind leaders Arsenal, who played a match more.

City is also preparing to face Southampton from the second level “Championship” in the cup semi-finals at the end of the month, knowing that it won the League Cup by defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the final match on March 22.