“I try and bring a good energy, a lot of help and encouragement and if we all do that I believe we are a step closer to winning games.

“To captain this team whenever I do, it’s a big honour, especially here – it’s been almost eight years since I signed for City – a long, long time and we’ve won a lot together, so it’s a big honour for me and I like to take my fair share of responsibility and help my team-mates as much as possible.”

A perfect example of Bernardo’s leadership – and genuine care and compassion – was there for all to see when City took on Chelsea last month.

In the first few minutes, teenage debutant Abdukodir Khusanov attempted a header back to his goalkeeper that he mistimed, and Chelsea scored as a result with barely three minutes played.

There can’t have been a genuine football fan who didn’t feel for the young defender at that moment, and he then picked up a booking a few minutes after for a late tackle to compound his difficult introduction to Premier League life.

Who else, then, but Bernardo would spot all that and take charge of the situation?

Our No.20 quickly dropped deep to collect the ball, taking Khusanov out of the spotlight for a few minutes so he could encourage him and allow him to settle down.

It was an action that many spotted on the day, and undoubtedly helped the Uzbek relax and eventually find his feet.

“It is not easy for Khusa to arrive in England, not speak any English yet and only understand a little of the language,” said Bernardo.

“He’d trained with us for maybe one week and because there were so few players available, he had to play in what was such a big game against Chelsea in a moment when the team is not as stable as before, so it was not easy for him and his first action he makes that mistake and yeah, I tried to take off a bit of pressure from him.

“He’s a fantastic talent and he needed to understand that the same happens to big, more experienced players and it’s how you react to those moments that matters. After that, he settled and developed into the game so it’s good to see his character come out as well.”

Play like we dream.

That’s what most City fans would ask as a minimum requirement from anyone who pulls that sky blue jersey on. Give your all, no matter what – and with Bernardo, that’s always been the case.

“For me,  it’s like when you are 10 years old and you are playing in the street against your friends – you always want to win and you do what you love. In football, I love  playing and I want to do everything the right way,” he said.

“For me, that means leaving everything on the pitch – you can win or lose, but one thing that is compulsory is that you give 100%.”

And it is that attitude that has made him one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants.

The City boss has spoken many times about his love for Bernardo and what he represents – and he means it. He rarely names a starting XI without the Portugal star among those selected and it is a respect that is reciprocated.

“If he’s not the best manager in football, he’s right up there and the relationship we have built over the years is kind of special,” says Bernardo.

“He trusts me, I know that and it’s good to have the trust of your manager and know that he can tell you whatever and you will understand and yeah, it’s a good connection that we have.”

And Bernardo has been asked to play many roles over the years.

From central playmaker to right winger, from false No.9 to deep lying midfielder… he even slotted in at full-back against Leyton Orient last month!

So, of all those roles, which has he enjoyed the most?

“I would say maybe earlier in my time here I like to play more in the middle – like a No.8  – I’m not really sure because I’ve had so many great years here playing on the right side and during our Treble season, I was playing as a right winger and have so many great memories there. I can’t choose between the right and the middle, but  I guess my natural position is a midfielder.

“I also like touching the ball as often as I can and being involved in the game – sometimes I need to be more patient as well, but I like to feel connected throughout games and that’s why sometimes I like to come deep to collect the ball and get things moving.”

Bernardo is likely to pass the 400-appearance mark for City in the next month or so.

It is an incredible number of games for one club, but he is also about to reach a wonderful milestone for his country, too.

On 98 caps, he will become a Portuguese centurion this spring – another landmark in a wonderful career to date.

"I started early and have been playing for Portugal for 10 years and that’s been a good journey as well,” he reflects.

“We didn’t win a major tournament in that time, but we won the UEFA Nations League and I’m proud that I’m close to 100 caps because it’s not that easy to do that and it’s very special for me.”

And, of course, Bernardo became a father in August 2023, too.

His daughter, now almost 18 months old is a source of constant joy for him and, he admits, life changed the moment she arrived.

“Carlota’s arrival - it changed everything,” he says with pride.

“After a training session or after a game, I just want to get home and play with her and spend time with her. My priorities have changed completely, and everyone who is a parent will understand that.

“You spend a lot of energy, because the kids take that from you, and you need to give them all the love possible, knowing that it is the best feeling in the world as they get bigger, and it gets better and better.”

Of course, Bernardo’s dog, John, has become something of a celebrity in his own right over the past few years. How has he reacted to the arrival of Carlota?

“I actually have two dogs now – John and Charles – and they both treat her really well,” he laughs. “Charles came from a family in Wales and at the time, King Charles was the Prince of Wales, so I decided to name him after the King. I wanted another English name because I am living in England, and most of all because it suits him!”

Finally, Bernardo and his team-mates are well aware that this has been a tough season in comparison to our previous, trophy-laden campaigns.

The Blues have struggled at times this season, but the City fans’ support at the hardest moments have not gone unnoticed – least of all by Bernardo.

To end our interview, it is our supporters that he wants to address…

“I would just say – apart from thank you, because they know we don’t want to be in this position and they stick with us regardless - we feel the love, we know the situation is not ideal, but as I say, we feel their love and support and in these moments, to have that kind of backing is even more special than when we win because we know they appreciate how hard we are trying – but as a team, we also know that we have to do better – and we will.

“If they keep with us, and I know they will, things will turn around, we will return to our normality which is winning lots of games and winning titles again.”

Interview: David Clayton

Our much-loved former skipper is taking on a trio of YouTube City vloggers in his predictions feature this season in the shape of MCFC Lads, Esteemed Kompany and Prime Mutton. Taking on Mozzer this time is Stephen McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany...

CITY V PLYMOUTH

Saturday 04 March • 17:45 kick-off
Etihad Stadium

Mozzer verdict: Plymouth Argyle at home will be amazing  - they are, of course, my former club and there will 8,000 fans travelling and the Green Army will create a party atmosphere. Despite that, I feel it’s going to be a really tough game for Plymouth. City will have 75-80 % possession  and if our finishing is clinical, I think it will be a comfortable passage to the next round.

Mozzer prediction: City 5-0 Plymouth

Vlogger verdict: I can't help but feel this will be one for James McAtee and company - and he'll likely score too! A convincing win with plenty of chances and a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Fingers crossed!

Vlogger prediction: City 4-1 Plymouth

FOREST v CITY

Saturday 08 March• 12:30 kick-off
City ground

Mozzer verdict: Nottingham Forest have been sensational this season. Whether they fade a bit in the final strait remains to be seen, but we need the points for a top four finish and this would be a terrific win if we can manage it – and I think we will. Just!

Mozzer prediction: Forest 1-2 City

Vlogger verdict: This will be tough, but despite everything that’s happened over the past few months City's form has been improving, and we beat them well last time. An Erling Haaland brace for three points.

Vlogger prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 City

CITY v BRIGHTON

Saturday 15 March • 15:00 kick-off
Etihad Stadium

Mozzer verdict: Games against Brighton are never dull and they will come here to play football. They have blown hot and cold this season and can certainly hurt any side at their best. But I see us having a strong end to the season and think we’ll avenge that 2-1 defeat at the Amex earlier in the season.

Mozzer prediction: City 3-1 Brighton

Vlogger verdict: They'll score given their ability going forward, but I'm going for goals from Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden to decide an entertaining game.

Vlogger prediction: City 3-1 Brighton

FEBRUARY RESULTS 
* 1 point for result, 3 for a correct score

Mozzer: 3-4 MCFC Lads

For the FOURTH month in succession, there were no correct scores predicted. Both Mozzer and Luke from MCFC Lads got the wins over Leyton Orient, Newcastle and Spurs correct, but the scores wrong. Luke also went for Real Madrid to win at the Bernabeu while Andy went for a draw meaning the Vloggers - again- edge further ahead. But there is very little in it!

Overall scoreboard after 43 games: 

Mozzer 20pts Vloggers 24pts

In the latest instalment of our feature that remembers City stalwarts who didn’t get the plaudits outside of Manchester, we reflect on the tireless Ian Brightwell’s career...

Genetics can, of course, play a major role in a sportsperson’s prospects.

But without hard work, determination and perseverance, it doesn’t matter who your parents or grandparents are.

For fans who watched Ian Brightwell at Maine Road, it would come as no surprise to learn that he was the son of two great Olympic track runners.

Ann Packer, the 800 Olympic champion at Tokyo 1964, and Robbie Brightwell, British team captain that same year, not only passed on their physical capabilities to their sons, but also the belief that nothing would come without the drive to make it happen.

Capable of running all day, Brightwell was a true team player that would slot in wherever he was needed and use his incredible capacity for hard work to cover for team-mates.

He was most often deployed as a right-back or on the right of a midfield four, but Brightwell played in almost every position across his 380 City appearances.

Initially spotted by City as an 11-year-old, Brightwell would spend almost 20 years at Maine Road during a rollercoaster period for the Club.

He’d written himself into the Club’s history before even making his first team debut as part of the first City side ever to win the FA Youth Cup in 1986.

Not only that, they did so by beating Manchester United in a two-legged final that culminated in a bumper Maine Road crowd seeing the likes of David White, Steve Redmond, Paul Moulden, Andy Hinchcliffe and Paul Lake all shine.

Club legends Tony Book, Glyn Pardoe and Ken Barnes were in charge of developing young talent into first team prospects in those days, and Brightwell insisted on his recent appearance on the Official Man City Podcast that their tough love was crucial in developing that special squad of future first team stars.

He’d make his first team debut on the opening day of the following season and play 19 times as City suffered relegation from the top-flight.

A steep learning curve, but it was the bulk of that FA Youth Cup-winning team that would be charged with rebuilding for the promotion charge to come.

Redmond, White and Hinchliffe played more than anyone else in 1987/88 with Brightwell making 42 appearances as we finished ninth.

The following campaign bore the fruits of that investment in potential, with City finishing second and returning to the Promised Land.

Brightwell played 30 times, again all over the park, but it was in the two Manchester derbies in his first full season at the highest level that he would take the best memories.

After two-and-a-half years without a derby and eight years since our last victory, we hammered our cross-city rivals 5-1 in the first meeting at Maine Road before a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford later that term.

Brightwell’s left-footed strike in the away game remains one of the best goals ever scored in this most storied of fixtures in English football.

Stepping on to a loose ball 25 yards out, he struck through it with his left foot (theoretically his weaker foot!) and saw it fly straight as a dart into the top corner.

He wheeled away and revealed in the recent podcast that he had no idea what to do next. Safe to say, it’s a moment that cemented him in the consciousness of City fans alive at the time forevermore.

By that point, his most prolific days were already over – having netted 15 of the 19 goals he would score for City.

He played another eight seasons, with the bulk of his appearances still to come, but his work would be done further away from the opposition goal.

Many managers came throughout the 1990s – Peter Reid, Brian Horton, Alan Ball, Frank Clark – and all of them placed their faith in Brightwell.

It’s a testament to his professionalism and his relentless work ethic that even with City blowing hot and cold and eventually beginning a drop down the divisions, there was never a thought that Brightwell had let his standards slip.

The second half of the 90s was a difficult time for the Club as we slipped from the Premier League down to the third tier.

With City looking to the future, it was in 1998 that a 30-year-old Brightwell left for spells at Walsall, Port Vale and Macclesfield before finally hanging up his boots in 2007 – almost 21 years on from his senior debut.

As it stands, only 19 men have represented City more, while Brightwell’s 380 games is the same as his mentor and legend Pardoe.

Ian Brightwell’s episode of the Official Man City podcast is available for all CITY+ subscribers to listen to now on mancity.com and our official app.

Feature: Jack Wilson-Mumford

This season I’m taking you on an A-to-Z tour of Manchester and possibly taking a few liberties with the alphabet. Expect lots of musicians, an occasional session with a footballer and whatever else I can find in my archive...

This issue we’re up to the letter S and I thought I’d feature The Smiths, seeing as I’ve just written about The Stone Roses in a recent matchday programme.

In September 1983 I was commissioned by the NME to photograph The Smiths for their first NME cover. I didn’t feel an urban setting would work for the shoot and I decided to take the band to Dunham Massey by a fountain, to give the photos a softer, more romantic feel.

Morrissey obviously stole the show and the photo of him lying in the grass with his hands up to the camera was a perfect cover shot. A few days later I got a call from the features editor, Tony Stewart, who told me they weren’t going on the cover; they’d decided to put Big Country on instead. As Tony further explained to me: “The Smiths will never be big enough to go on the NME cover, Kevin.”

What a missed opportunity. Furthermore, at a conservative estimate, I’d say that between The Smiths, Morrissey and Marr, they had more subsequent NME front covers than any other group in history and I shot many of them. But this would have been the best.

Kevin Cummins

Another tale behind one of our City Magazine covers of yesteryear...

I was about six months into my role as editor of the City Mag by the time this issue came out in February 2002 – and I think this cover shows that!

There are a number of problems with this cover, the first being it’s not very good.

I’m guessing this was one of those previously mentioned 'camel' covers – the camel being the horse designed by a committee – with too many ideas incorporated.

As always, the picture selection drives the design.

Here, we have Niclas Jensen balancing a ball on his head, but look at what we could have done instead of what we actually did.

Jensen was a photogenic guy, so, in his tracky top, a nice pose to camera with a white background and something predictable like ‘Great Dane’ would have worked well.

But somewhere along the way, things got muddled and it could well have been my fault – I honestly can’t remember.

Maybe this was the best pic, and we just went with that and then tried to invent a theme – but whatever that was, it didn’t look so good!

The main issue is what the ball on Jensen’s head is meant to be – I still can’t figure it out!

The starry background is OK, but the whole concept is a bit muddled.

Our other interviewees are listed in a boring way and our major interviews with Kevin Horlock, Paul Ritchie and Alfie Haaland are undersold.

All in all, pretty poor!

DC

This time round I’d like to introduce you to Joanna Ferguson. Evidently a member of a family of feverish Blues. She may have missed the last game at Maine Road - but she has more than made up for with with her  many other City exploits!

In her own words…

“I’m Joanna. I live in Levenshulme with my boyfriend and Labrador Bernie. I am a fourth generation Blue and have been watching City since 1997. End of intro!"

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF GOING TO A FOOTBALL MATCH?
One of my first City games was when I was seven or eight years-old, wedged between my Dad and Grandad in the Main Stand at Maine Road. I remember spotting the 'NO FOUL LANGUAGE' signs displayed on the pillars. Just as I was reading them, the ref made a shocking decision, and the crowd erupted with some very spicy language. I loved it!

MOST PECULIAR OR MEMORABLE THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU AT A CITY GAME?
I watched the 1998/99 Division 2 play-off semi-final vs Wigan via a screen at Maine Road with about 6,000 other City fans. A strange way to watch a memorable game!

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND PREVENT ONE MATCH FROM BEING PLAYED, WHAT MATCH WOULD THAT BE - AND WHY?
The 2013 FA Cup final against Wigan—no idea why this one hurt so much. Maybe it was because our luck had started to turn after the Premier League win in 2012. Or maybe it was just the crippling hangover, I definitely cried. 

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE CITY GOAL YOU HAVE WITNESSED (“Aguerooooooooo…”  aside…) I was right behind the goal for Yaya’s strike against United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. My dad was sat behind me, and my brother was a couple of rows down. Yet, somehow, within seconds of the ball hitting the net, we were all tangled up in a massive hug-brawl celebration! It really felt like a turning point—times were changing for the better.

And I can’t leave out Rodri’s goal in Istanbul. The celebration had the same chaotic energy as Yaya’s, but this time including my two nephews. Unforgettable moments!

HAVE YOU EVER MET ONE OF YOUR MAN CITY HEROES… IF SO - WHO…AND HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE!
I went to the bar in a pub in Heaton Moor and stood next to Gio Kinkladze. From what I remember he didn’t say a single word but was so happy to take photos with me and several other Blues I was there with. 

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE LAST MATCH AT MAINE ROAD?
My parents so selfishly decided to move us to Barcelona in 2003, meaning I missed the last ever game at Maine Road - how inconsiderate! My final memory there was taking a school friend and sitting in the Gene Kelly Stand, where we got absolutely soaked. Unsurprisingly, she never wanted to come to a game with me again. 

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT MAINE ROAD?
The smell of pies, Helen the Bell (who every time we scored I tried to catch her reaction but could never quite see over all the celebrations around me), I even loved the walk back to the car through Moss Side and of course the colourful language. 

WHATS YOUR MOST DISASTROUS AWAY GAME EXPERIENCE?
I have been pretty lucky with my away days – the worst was likely losing to Barcelona in the second leg of Champions League in 2014. I was in the Barca end wearing a City shirt. For some bizarre reason my brother in the City end decided he wanted to be the last person out of the Nou Camp, which resulted in a very long wait for him outside after the game… 

WHO IS YOUR MOST FAVOURITE CITY PLAYER OF ALL TIME?
Picking just one is tough! As a kid, I absolutely loved Nicky Weaver, but my all-time favourite has to be Kevin De Bruyne. His passion and quality are unmatched.

IF YOU COULD PICK ONE CURRENT CITY PLAYER TO BE ON YOUR PUB QUIZ TEAM - WHO WOULD IT BE - AND WHY?
Rodri – I am not sure how well he would do on the quiz but I would love to buy that man a pint. 

One thing about you that fans might not know?
I was a goalkeeper from Under-8s to maybe like Under-11s. To be honest it was just to get into a team, into a competitive team. And then I was quite a large kid so they just stuck me in goal. So I was in goal for a bit and then I came out field. I always wanted to play out field I just played in goal for two/three years but I didn't really enjoy it. 

Go-to karaoke song?
Probably something by Adele. Always gets everyone singing. 

Idea of paradise?
I'd probably say a beach, a football, head tennis on the beach with a volleyball net. Anywhere with sun. 

 Food you'd happily eat for the rest of your days...
There is so many! Got to go steak, I love a nice steak. 

 Best ever Netflix binge?
I just watched Prison Break, it was the best three weeks of my life. I was watching a lot a day!

Scariest thing that's ever happened to you?
I don't actually remember it my Mum and Dad told me about it. They dropped me down a bowling alley when I was a baby. I slid a bit but I was alright. Like I said I don't remember it but I'm guessing it was scary. 

Hobby you enjoy outside of football?
Golf and padel. 

Dream job if you weren't playing football. 
I'll be boring and say a semi-pro footballer. Nothing really interests me. Maybe a pro golfer but I don't have the patience. 

Best gig you've been to?
Never been to one!

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. We've got a cavapoochon. 

Worst habit?
I bite my nails. 

Squad number that you'd like if you got into City's first team?
I'd probably say three.

A skill a team-mate has that you wish you had?
Speed. Especially as a full-back. I'm fairly quick but not as quick as Reigan or Christian [Dunbar-McDonald]. 

Since returning from injury in late August 2024, Kian Noble has been a prevalent figure in Oliver Reiss’ defensive line in the Under-18 Premier League North...

He’s helped City concede just 13 goals in 15 games, the second lowest in the league whilst also helping scoring and assisting a handful at the opposite end.

The 17-year-old scored his first, and second, league goals for the Club in back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Derby and has also assisted three to break his tally from the season prior.

And with our fantastic run of form that has seen City move to the league summit, courtesy of a 13-game winning streak, it’s fair to say Noble is enjoying his second season with the Under-18s.

“It’s been a good season so far,” said Noble with a bright smile.

“I think there’s been a lot of difficult games but we’ve come through them well and now we’re just looking to push forward for the final part of the season.

“My injury was a massive challenge for me and alongside the challenges we faced as a team in starting the season slower than we would have liked, we’ve all picked ourselves up and put together a really great run.

“I’ve been working on playing the ball forward more. I’ve been disguising my passes more which has helped me play those through balls that break the opponent’s line and why I’ve been able to get a few assists this season.

“It’s been about me reading play, finding those gaps that my team-mates are going to run into.

“We’ve worked on it a lot in training so it’s been very repetitive and become natural to me and my team-mates. Our midfielders and wingers have great movement so it’s just about spotting it early.”

As well as the prospect of winning the Under-18 Premier League North title, Noble could help City win the FA Youth Cup for a second successive season.

He’s played every minute in our wins over Crystal Palace, Millwall, Leeds and West Brom which include City conceding just two goals compared to our 18 scored.

And it’s a competition not just important to him, but the whole Under-18s team.

“I think it’s the pinnacle of English youth football,” began Noble.

“So I think every player loves to play in it and the competition gets harder and harder the further you go.

“Playing teams outside of our league is often trickier because they have a different way of playing so that’s also why you have to be wary of the cup.

“So you have to be as close to perfect as you can be. We always focus on keeping the ball and being smart about how we play.

“But it’s also helped us improve. We have to be able to adapt on the pitch, change the way we play against different formations and styles of play.

“It’s definitely one of our main ambitions this season. I think what pushes us is playing for City. There is that outside perception that we should win things and whilst the Academy want us to make sure we develop, we do also want to win trophies, what player doesn’t.

“So with us fighting for the FA Youth Cup and the league title, we’re just excited to get to those moments at the end of the season.”