Bernardo Silva confirms he wanted to leave Manchester City last summer

The City midfielder has continued his world-class performances for the Citizens this season.

Bernardo Silva was on the verge of leaving Manchester City last summer but ended up staying at the Etihad Stadium. The Portuguese star has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s midfield setup as City continue marching toward their fourth league title in five seasons.

Silva has now opened up on his failed move, revealing personal issues has inspired him to leave the club.

“I was feeling a little bit alone at the time in England and I wasn’t very happy with my life,” he told the Times.

“And if you’re not happy, you don’t do your job as well as you do when you are happy. I was well physically, but if you don’t do your job with a smile on your face, you’re not going to do it as well.”

He added: “I had a talk with the club because I wasn’t happy with my life here, and I wanted to be closer to my family. But it [wanting to leave] had nothing to do with the club. I love Manchester City. I love my team-mates, I love the fans, I love the club. Afterwards, nothing happened. I stayed, and I will always give my best for this club as long as I stay here.”

Silva has only missed one league game for City this season as they sit at the top of the league table. The Citizens will most likely have him in their squad when they face their city rivals in the Manchester derby on Sunday.