Bernardo Silva has declared his love for Manchester City after tying his future to the club until 2025.
The Portugal midfielder has been brilliant for the Blues, both on the right wing and filling in for Kevin De Bruyne in a central midfield role, and Pep Guardiola has more than once described him as the first name on his teamsheet.
The manager has also said that as long as he himself stays at City the 24-year-old will also remain: “He’ll stay a long time, while I’m here he will not move on, he will stay with me.”
City have made good on that vow, and Bernardo – who already had a deal until 2022 – said he did not hesitate to sign a deal that will take him past his 30th birthday.
“It’s an honour to extend my deal with Manchester City,” he said. “This club offers everything a player needs to fulfil their ambitions and there’s nowhere else I want to be.
“As soon as I heard City wanted me to stay longer, my mind was made up. I love the club, the manager, the players and the fans.
“The style of football we play here excites me, and I am determined to win more silverware. City gives me the best chance of doing that.”
City have Ederson, Aymeric Laporte, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Benjamin Mendy, John Stones and Philippe Sandler all tied down on deals ranging from 2022 until 2025 and hope to add Leroy Sane to that group.
Football director Txiki Begiristain said: “Bernardo is an exceptional talent, so offering him a new deal and ensuring he spends the best years of his career with us was a very easy decision.
“This is the latest example of our commitment to building a young squad of world-class players.
“We are constructing a side that will provide a platform for sustained success. Bernardo fits neatly into our plan.
“His work-rate, professionalism and technical quality have impressed us and there is plenty of scope for improvement.
“Under the guidance of Pep and the backroom staff we have here, we expect to see him develop into one of the world’s best players over the coming years.”