Manchester City bagged a dramatic 2-1 win against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday, keeping their hopes alive for Champions League football next season.
After the evening ended with smiling faces at the Etihad, Man City head coach Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Bernardo Silva, who has been on the receiving end of criticism lately and is rumored to be parting ways with the club this summer.
What did Pep Guardiola say about Bernardo Silva?
Man City have struggled for consistency this season while also dealing with several injuries. Among other players, Silva’s efforts on the pitch have also been questioned by many.
The 30-year-old arrived at the Etihad from Monaco in 2017 and his current contract is set to expire next season. Following Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement of departure from City this summer, several reports suggested that Silva might also be parting ways as a part of the club’s squad rebuilding plans.
Now, following Man City’s victory over Aston Villa, Guardiola hailed Silva and his contributions over the seasons. The Catalan manager also mentioned (comments via Manchester Evening News) the Portuguese star’s consistency and versatility.
“I don’t forget Bernardo, what he has done for us this season – especially this season. I don’t forget. He didn’t play much the last minutes but I don’t forget December and January and February and March when we didn’t win one single game and he was there every single time running 30 kilometres playing different positions,” he said.
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“There was a moment when he was empty mentally, and he was tired. But Bernardo for important games has an incredibly huge personality. He’s a player on another level for me for many reasons,” added Guardiola.
During his ongoing eight-year tenure at the Etihad, Silva has netted 70 goals and 71 assists in 398 appearances. With another season left on his contract, it remains to be seen if Man City decides to part ways with the club veteran his summer.
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