'City gave me more than I hoped for as a young kid' - Silva

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo says playing for the club has given him "more than I ever dreamed".

The 31-year-old joined City for £43m from Monaco in 2017 and has gone on to make 427 appearances to date, scoring 73 goals and providing 75 assists.

Now in his ninth season, he is hoping to add to the 17 pieces of silverware he has already acquired with his side contending on domestic and European fronts.

However, his future beyond this campaign is still uncertain with his contract ending in the summer.

Speaking to BBC Sport about the biggest influences on his career, Silva said: "Benfica shaped me from when I was seven until 19. They gave me not only the football knowledge, but also they shaped me a little bit as a man. They made me tougher and stronger.

"At Monaco, even though it was shorter, they gave me the opportunity to start at the higher level, and at Manchester City I achieved everything and more than I ever dreamed.

"I always dreamed of winning the Premier League but I never imagined myself winning six. So City gave me more than I hoped for as a young kid - honestly."

Asked about the Portugal international in a news conference recently, boss Pep Guardiola described Silva as "one of the best" players he has ever coached.

Responding to those comments, the midfielder said: "Well, yeah, I saw that and I'm happy he feels that way because the players he manages are not bad players!

"I think I'm the guy, the player with most games played under Pep, so obviously he has that special affection for me because it's been so long.

"The influence from Pep on me is massive - nine years and I learned a lot."

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