Bernardo Silva: Man City Captain – Confirmed
Bernardo Silva Takes on Captain Role at Manchester City
PHILADELPHIA — Bernardo Silva has been selected by Pep Guardiola to be Manchester City’s new captain. This appointment comes as the Portuguese midfielder enters what he suggests could be his final season with the club. Silva’s leadership role will be supported by vice-captains Rúben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland.
Guardiola traditionally allows players and staff to vote for the captain. However, this year he decided to personally appoint Silva and the vice-captains. Silva’s contract expires in 2026, and he has been linked to a possible return to Benfica, his boyhood club.
Silva, 30, joined Manchester City in 2017 from Monaco.
“I know what I’m going to do, but it’s not the time to talk about that,” said Silva. “I’m very focused on my season. I’m very focused on performing well for Man City. When the time is due I will talk about it.”
Silva acknowledged his options for the future, stating he could leave next season. He emphasized his current focus remains on performing well for manchester City.He was part of the team’s leadership group last season.
guardiola said he made the unusual step of picking the skipper this summer after seeing things he “didn’t like” during last season’s disappointing campaign.
Kyle Walker,who was club captain a year ago,was loaned to Milan in January.The Italian side opted not to make the move permanent, and Walker was left out of City’s squad for the Club World Cup.
“I’m the manager this season, for the first time in my career, I decided who would be my captain,” said Guardiola. “I didn’t like what happened last season. I decided this season.”
Haaland’s appointment as vice-captain marks a first for the young striker. Guardiola indicated that Haaland, who signed a 10-year contract in January, could potentially assume the captain role in the future.
“Erling Haaland is so young, but he has to start to learn what it means to be a captain, because he will be here hopefully many, many years,” he said. “Eventually, he will take that position as the first one.”
What’s next
Silva is expected to play a key role in Manchester City’s upcoming season, with the added obligation of captaincy. The team will be closely watched to see how these leadership changes impact their performance.