Bernardo Silva expressed that he “didn’t hesitate” to join Real Madrid, following his initial training session with the team on Monday.
The 31-year-old Portugal midfielder signed with Madrid on a free transfer this summer after parting ways with Manchester City, where he spent nine years amassing 20 major trophies.
Silva is among five new additions to Madrid during this transfer window, joining Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espí. Reports from ESPN indicate that the club is also pursuing deals for Yan Diomande and Rodri.
“Having faced Real Madrid numerous times, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of the club and the honor of being here,” Silva shared with Real Madrid TV. “When the opportunity from Real Madrid arose, it was an easy decision. Being close to my family, with Portugal nearby and a similar culture, certainly helped. But the chance to play for the best club in football history, as their trophies attest, is truly a privilege.”
Madrid played to a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina in a friendly match on Saturday, marking their first game under new coach José Mourinho, with their next fixture against Ferencvaros in Budapest this weekend.
Silva, along with Vinícius Júnior and Brahim Díaz, all completed their first preseason training sessions on Monday after their holidays.
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“The first session was challenging,” Silva noted. “However, I’m delighted to meet everyone, including my teammates. I already know some of them quite well from our previous encounters, and I’m thrilled to be starting this preseason positively.”
Mourinho returns as the coach of Madrid for a second time, having previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013.
“We have faced each other in matches before, and now we find ourselves on the same team,” Silva remarked. “I’m excited because he is a significant figure in Portuguese football. I grew up watching his teams, and he has always elevated Portugal’s status. I look forward to starting this journey and learning from him.”