- Bernardo Silva announced Man City departure on Thursday
- Tributes soon poured in for midfielder
- Received plaudits from rival club’s manager
Bernardo Silva has become the recipient of some kind words from a manager who is seen as one of Manchester City’s biggest enemies.
Pep Guardiola has won everything there is to win at Manchester City and he has done so with Bernardo Silva around every step of the way.
The Portuguese star joined the Citizens one year into Guardiola’s tenure, at a point when he was yet to lift a piece of silverware.
However, they each have 19 trophies to their name after City’s recent Carabao Cup triumph, with hopes of achieving a 20th before the season draws to a close.
Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Bernardo Silva
Valentine’s Day has been and gone, but there is one manager who has revealed that he fell in love with Silva.
Interestingly, it is none other than Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Of course, the Spaniard did formerly assist Guardiola at Man City, but it was when Silva played for Monaco that he caught his attention.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference this weekend, Arteta told the media: “Incredible player and incredible person as well. First time I watched him [Silva] live, it was at PSG v Monaco. Straight away, I fell in love with him.
Not only the way he played, the way he competes, the way he lives the game, the desire, the hunger that he has. And then obviously, we spent four years together.
“A top guy, you see him in any circumstances and he delivers always his very best. One of those players that I think has marked history in the Premier League.”
Silva is free to start against Arsenal
There were fears that Silva would have to miss this Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash, due to his accumulation of yellow cards.
However, the City captain has behaved himself well enough to feature against the Gunners, in what is quite literally a must-win game.
This is a huge positive for Guardiola, considering how reliable Silva has been over the years in the biggest moments.
Silva has a great record against Arsenal
The first time Silva played against Arsenal was in a 2015 Champions League tie when he was at Monaco.
His team won the first leg 3-1, but lost 2-0 in the second. However, the then-youngster only spent 26 minutes on the pitch over the two ties.
Since then, he lined up against the Gunners 22 times, winning 16 matches and only losing three, while there have also been four draws.
This is quite the record and Silva will be eager to add another victory, which would end up being more important than most.
He has already captained City to victory against Arsenal in a cup final this season, and doing so again in the Premier League would be a testament to how much quality he brings to his team.
