JAKARTA - Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed his desire for team captain Bernardo Silva to stay and end his career at the club. However, he stressed that the final decision was entirely in the hands of the player.
"I really want Bernardo to stay and end his career here, but I don't know. He will decide his future," Guardiola said, quoted by AP News on Saturday, April 11.
Silva's future has been under the spotlight after City assistant coach Pep Lijnders hinted the player's association with the club could end this summer.
The 31-year-old's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a host of clubs including Barcelona, Juventus and Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.
Guardiola himself admitted that he had not received confirmation from Silva regarding his future plans. He even joked with the player to tell him first if he had made a decision.
"A month ago I told him, if he makes a decision, I have to be the first to know, but he hasn't said anything to me."
Lijnders' comments came after Manchester City's 4-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, when Guardiola was unable to carry out media duties due to a ban on accompanying the team on the sidelines.
Lijnders said every journey has an end and hopes Silva can enjoy the rest of his time at the club.
Bernardo Silva joined Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017 and has made 450 appearances, including helping the team win the English League Cup last month. He is also trusted to be the team captain since the departure of Kevin De Bruyne last summer.
Guardiola praised Silva's huge contribution to the team, even though the player was not always statistically impressive.
"He may not be the tallest, strongest, or score 50 goals and assists in a season, but all coaches will like him," Guardiola said.
According to him, Silva is a very competitive player and always appears at important moments.
"In the toughest situations and on the biggest stage, he's always there. He's been an incredible recruit for us," he added.
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