Bernardo Silva says he could leave Manchester City in 'one or two years' in another hint that he is unhappy in England.
Bernardo, 27, wanted to leave City in the summer, but no acceptable bids were accepted and he stayed at the club, going on to play a key role for the club this season. The Portuguese international recently clarified that his desire to leave had nothing to do with the club, but because he was unhappy and homesick in Manchester during the pandemic.
The former Benfica youngster has never hidden his intentions to return to his boyhood club, and said in January that he would sign for them 'without a doubt' before retiring. Now, he has offered a timeframe on when he could leave City, opening up on the possibility that it could be before his current deal expires in 2025.
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Speaking to Channel 11, Bernardo said he would like to return to Portugal and would even be open to such a move in the next two years.
He said: "I miss Portugal a lot. If I could go back in a year or two, I would. Not only because I would like to play for Benfica again, but because I miss my family and living in Portugal very much."
Previously, Bernardo said returning to his family in Portugal is important for him, and may take priority over his love for City.
Reflecting on the pandemic, he said earlier this month: “People suffered much more than us but for me it was tough because I was far away from my family.
"Before I used to go to Portugal for a couple of days and have dinner with my mum and dad. It was just dinner but you’re with your parents so it’s nice. To not be able to do that was difficult.
“It was not a nice moment to be honest. For a while I was alone in my flat. Later my girlfriend came. It was bad for everyone. I could see in my team-mates’ faces that it was tough for them too.
“I was feeling a little bit alone at the time in England and I wasn’t very happy with my life. And if you’re not happy, you don’t do your job as well as you do when you are happy. I was well physically, but if you don’t do your job with a smile on your face, you’re not going to do it as well.
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“I had a talk with the club because I wasn’t happy with my life here, and I wanted to be closer to my family. But it had nothing to do with the club. I love Manchester City. I love my team-mates, I love the fans, I love the club. Afterwards, nothing happened. I stayed, and I will always give my best for this club as long as I stay here.”
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