The Man City manager and Barcelona president shared a joke at a press conference on Monday.
Joan Laporta aimed a joke at Pep Guardiola about Barcelona’s rumored interest in Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Various reports have linked the Portugal international with a move to Camp Nou. Barca coach Xavi Hernandez is keen, but a deal allegedly hinges on whether Frenkie de Jong leaves the club. The Dutch midfielder is a target for Manchester United.
Bernardo is expected to feature when Manchester City take on Barcelona on August 24 for a charity-friendly match to help the fight against Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“A Barcelona vs Man City is no friendly,” said Barca president Laporta at a press conference on Monday.
“We beat Real Madrid 4-0 and now we want to beat the Premier League champions. There are friends on the opponents’ side but we want to win.”
Guardiola said: “We will bring all our top players to Barcelona for Unzue’s ALC charity match at Camp Nou.”
Laporta replied: “Bernardo Silva?”
Guardiola laughed and hit back: “Bernardo Silva… and 10 more.”
Barça vs Manchester City
ALS charity friendly
August 24, 2022
Camp Nou pic.twitter.com/hfUI7Aionb— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 20, 2022
Will Bernardo Silva stay?
Despite the ongoing rumors surrounding Bernardo’s future, Guardiola expects the 27-year-old to stay at Man City – unless he has a change of heart.
“As of today, I think Bernardo will continue at Man City next season – but as I always said, I don’t like to keep players that are unhappy,” the Citizens manager added.
“This is our intention, although I don’t like to keep players at Man City that are unhappy.”
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