Celebrating 300 City games for our much-loved Portuguese star...
BERNARDO!
Bernardo Silva made his 300th appearance as a late sub for City against Leeds United - this is the story of a player adored by supporters, teammates and his manager...
When Bernardo Silva first lit up the Etihad, is was in the red and white of Monaco, as City took on the French side in an epic Champions League Round of 16 tie.
The skilful No.10 impressed hugely that night, in a side that included Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho and Radamel Falcao.
The date was 21 February 2017 and barely three months later, City were announcing the Portuguese playmaker would be moving to the Etihad.
The deal was officially announced on 1 July, with Bernardo stating: "I'm now at one of the best teams in the world
"Of course when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don't say no. If not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best."
The excitement Bernardo's signing created among City fans was palpable - the Blues had signed one of Europe's most exciting talents and at 22, a player who had a bit of everything in his locker - skill, vision, industry and, above all else, a heart as big as a lion.
Bernardo made his City debut in an opening day 2-0 win at Brighton, coming on for Sergio Aguero on 83 minutes. It would be the first of 53 appearances in his debut campaign.
That first season in sky blue would end in glorious fashion as City were crowned Premier League champions with a record 100 points as well as winning the Carabao Cup.
By that stage, Benardo was already a firm crowd favourite with his unique mix of artistry and endeavour providing a new dimension to a side that already boasted such creative visionaries as Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
And his technique would often result in an admiring collective intake of breath around the Etihad as he lived up to his nickname of 'Bubblegum' with a first touch most players can only dream of.
But if his first season had been close to incredible, his second was off the charts as City swept the board domestically, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield in a campaign the Blues were dubbed 'The Fourmidables'.
De Bruyne's ankle injury would keep him sidelined for much of the season, meaning Bernardo had become the main source of dynamic attacking midfield play, and his 13 goals and 14 assists were testament to his impact.
Imagine, in a team of stellar talent that had completely dominated English football throughout 2018/19, being voted the Manchester City Player of the Year?
In the Club's greatest season yet, it was Bernardo the fans voted to receive that honour.
"It’s been a long fantastic season. Four trophies. All the squad, all the staff, it’s been amazing," he said on winning the award.
"We want to do better and try and go for the European trophies. You guys, the supporters, need to demand more from us."
Torre dos Clérigos. The most iconic and visible of Porto's many Baroque buildings.
Torre dos Clérigos. The most iconic and visible of Porto's many Baroque buildings.
Ponte Luiz I. A cast iron bridge in the middle of Porto's old town. Look familiar? It was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.
Ponte Luiz I. A cast iron bridge in the middle of Porto's old town. Look familiar? It was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.
A modern tilt to the Baroque landscape: the Casa da Música
A modern tilt to the Baroque landscape: the Casa da Música
If you aren't stopping for custard tarts, you aren't doing Porto right.
If you aren't stopping for custard tarts, you aren't doing Porto right.
View of the Ribeira district from the upper level of the Ponte Luiz I
View of the Ribeira district from the upper level of the Ponte Luiz I
Bernardo's third season would see him add two more winner's medals to his collection, with the Carabao Cup and Community Shield successes masking the disappointment of seeing Liverpool race away with the Premier League title.
He made 52 appearances and scored eight goals in 2019/20, but the Blues were now a wounded animal, doubly determined to win back their crown.
The 2020/21 campaign proved to be a bittersweet one for Bernardo and City, as the Blues regained the Premier League title and won the Carabao Cup, but lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League final.
It was a crushing blow and Bernardo was devastated that he couldn't affect the game the way he'd wanted to that night.
His 45 appearances and five goals were his lowest return in terms of tangible productivity and ahead of the 2021/22 season, Pep Guardiola suggested the Portuguese may even move on during the summer transfer window.
Thankfully, he didn't and his fifth year as a Manchester City player was also among his best with 50 appearances and 13 goals as the Blues retained the Premier League crown after once again fending off Liverpool in a thrilling sprint to the finish line.
Guardiola was effusive with his praise for Bernardo who he said was 'one of the best players in the world'.
Few disagreed with that assertion.
'What amazes me about Bernardo is that when the game is going wrong he makes a step forward, he loves to play in this situation. He's comfortable with it," said Pep.
'Some players maybe step backward and he makes a step forward. That's why he is irreplaceable in many ways for us..."
The City fans had fallen in love with the diminutive No.20 long before his sixth campaign at the Etihad.
His name has been echoing around the Etihad for many years now, usually connected with the Champions League final destination of that particular year and to the tune of ABBA's 'Voulez-Vous'.
It's hard to pinpoint just one reason he is so popular, for they are legion in their number.
He is often the beating heart of the team, playing from deep, tackling opponents physically bigger and stronger without fear with an infectious enthusiasm that spreads throughout the team and into the stands.
When Bernardo is at his best - and on a rare average day he is still very good - City invariably win. He has been a wonderful signing and he has played his part to the full in the 11 trophies he's won with the Club.
300 games is quite a milestone.
As the song goes, 'Bernardo! Running down the wing, makes the blue boys sing!' - but could his sixth season at City be his best ever? The next few weeks will reveal the answer to that question, but whatever happens, it's been another fantastic campaign for the boy from Lisbon who has repaid his transfer fee many times over.
Meanwhile, we'll let Bernardo have the final say...
“I'm very grateful. From day one, the love they show me every time I play or when they see me in Manchester is unbelievable, so I'm just very happy. I've always loved Manchester City, my team-mates, the staff and the fans."
- Bernardo Silva
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