Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing his long and successful spell with the club to a close.
The 31-year-old Portugal international has enjoyed an outstanding nine-year run at City, winning six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League. However, he will exit once his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Speaking after City’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Liverpool on Saturday, assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirmed Silva’s departure, noting the difficulty of replacing a player of his calibre. Lijnders stepped in for Pep Guardiola, who was serving a touchline ban.
“You never replace a player with the same kind of player, because they don’t exist. Bernardo Silva is unique,” he said.
The Dutch coach went on to praise Silva’s intelligence, movement, leadership, and ability to control matches, stressing that the club will instead focus on evolving the squad rather than trying to find a direct replacement.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong core of experienced players while giving younger talents the chance to develop and step up.
“But every good story comes to an end.
“I hope he enjoys the last months, it is only six weeks, and he has a good farewell and he deserves all that attention as well.”
Silva, who joined Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017, has made 450 appearances for the club during his time there.