Manchester City legend Bernardo Silva to leave club this summer

LONDON: Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva will leave the club at the end of the season, assistant coach Pep Lijnders announced. Silva, a vital presence in the club for nine seasons, won six Premier League titles and the Champions League with the team. The Portuguese star's contract with the club expires at the end of this season. Silva has made 450 appearances for City.

It is expected that the City veteran will leave the club for free at the end of this season.

“I hope he enjoys the time here. It will only be a few more months left. We need to give him a proper farewell,” said Ljinders.

In 2017, Silva joined City from AS Monaco ⁠for a reported fee of about 43.5 million pounds. The left-foot midfielder instantly became coach Pep Guardiola’s most trusted player on the field for his massive work rate and meticulous understanding of the game.

It is not known where Silva will spend the sunset years of his career. A return to the French league looks possible, while there are also offers pouring in from wealthy Saudi clubs.