Manchester City have a pair of former Manchester United wingers to thank for persuading Bernardo Silva to move to the Etihad.
Silva was one of Pep Guardiola’s first summer signings, with his £43.5 million move from Monaco confirmed by the club in May.
The Portugal international needed some convincing, however, before he signed on the dotted line with City and he has explained how international compatriots, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, ultimately helped him make up his mind.
“When I was with Portugal at the Confederations Cup and about to sign, I asked Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani about the city,” Silva revealed to FourFourTwo. “They told me how much they enjoyed it here.
“They said that all of the people were great and that it’s a real football city. The Premier League, too – a competitive league with full stadiums each week and everyone watching. They both said it would be a great move.”
City were the biggest Premier League spenders in the transfer window, despite their deadline day approach for Alexis Sanchez falling through, and Guardiola’s bolstering of his squad will have them better positioned to compete across all fronts this season.
“The Champions League is more difficult to win,” Silva added. “Of course, the Premier League isn’t easy to win, but the Champions League has all of the best teams in Europe, so it’s as good as it gets. Manchester City have never won it either, so I want to make history.
“We have a lot of young players with a lot of quality. Throw in some experience as well and we’ve got a team who can compete on all fronts. The Premier League title is a big goal for the club this season, but the Champions League is huge. When you’re at a club like City, you have to fight to win every competition.”
