Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Bernardo Silva as his captain nears the end of his Manchester City career – but claims he is yet to be told of his departure.
Silva looks set to leave City when his contract expires this summer after nine years at the Etihad Stadium, and assistant manager Pep Lijnders all but confirmed as much last week.
“Every good story comes to an end and I hope he enjoys the last months – because there is only six weeks – and has a good farewell,” said Lijnders.
There has been no official confirmation by the club or Silva, however, and Guardiola insists he is still in the dark.
The City manager said: “I’m so grumpy with Bernardo because a month ago I said, ‘If you take a decision I have to be the first to (know)’ and he didn’t say anything to me yet.
“I said, jokingly, ‘Tell me, I deserve it’ but he didn’t tell me so I don’t know what’s going on!”
Silva has made 450 appearances for City since his move from Monaco in 2017. His honours include six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.
After City’s underwhelming 2024-25 season, Guardiola appointed him captain this term, believing he had the perfect attributes for the role.
“The best decision I made this season,” Guardiola said.
“The team comes first. Sometimes politicians say something like that – the country comes first but then after it never comes first – but with Bernardo it is what it is.
“Last season was the toughest one but he was always there, leading by example playing and training good.”
Guardiola says Silva has been one of the most reliable players of his near 10-year tenure.
He said: “He is really good in all departments. He plays a lot of games. Nine years we have been together and no injuries and never out.
“He can play in different positions, he is so smart and reads every moment what the action and game requires.”
Guardiola, whose side travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, values the 31-year-old for far more than goals and assists.
He said: I judge players when everything is difficult and he always steps up and says he is here to help.
“He has been an incredible signing for us, incredible. I love this club amazingly and I would love if he could stay and finish his career here but I do not know.
“He will decide what he will decide and announce to the club and the media and the fans. It is his decision.”
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