- Bernardo Silva talks about Arsenal
- Gunners not City’s most challenging opponent
- Citizens second due to ‘transitional’ factors
Bernardo Silva has offered his verdict on the Premier League title race, and it is fair to say he does not rate Arsenal too highly.
Manchester City have been behind Arsenal in the Premier League table for most of the season, but the race is not over yet.
The Gunners will need to drop points in order for City to win the league, and then goal difference could be the deciding factor.
Arsenal’s tally was more favourable, but two consecutive 3-0 victories have landed Pep Guardiola’s team in a good place.
It has been a thrilling contest between Man City and the Gunners, but Bernardo Silva still thinks there is another club who have been a bigger thorn in his team’s side over the years.
Bernardo Silva says Liverpool are Man City’s main rival
According to the club captain, despite Arsenal’s consistency over recent seasons, Liverpool have been a bigger rival to City.
The Reds have won the Premier League twice since the Portugal international moved to England, while Arsenal remain without a title since 2004.
Speaking about Arsenal, Silva told The Athletic: “They’ve been growing and [are] a team that’s been together for five years now, so it’s only natural they man up a little bit and start challenging for titles. Let’s see what happens.
He added: “No, I’m not in love [with Arsenal]. I do believe our main rivals were Liverpool by far.”
Liverpool have won eight trophies since Silva joined City, which is a small number compared with the 19 lifted by the skipper. However, it is still five more than Arsenal, which proves his point.
Silva frustrated by Man City’s season
While Silva does not have many positive things to say about Arsenal, he has admitted that this could be the season where they end their wait for a Premier League title.
However, this is not due to their own superiority, but as a result of transitions at City due to departing legends, such as Kevin De Bruyne, and the arrivals of new players.
“I also believe – and I know this is very subjective – that if we weren’t in a transitional season and didn’t make so many mistakes, we would’ve won this league,” Silva continued.
“I don’t say easily, but we would’ve won. So it’s quite frustrating.”
Of course, the season is not yet over. Therefore, even with City struggling to make things work practically, there is still a chance to win the league.
Silva almost left Man City years ago
Whether Man City win the Premier League or not, Silva has already experienced one success this season.
Additionally, he will be playing in the FA Cup final on Saturday, with the opportunity to add a 20th trophy to his tally.
Still, this might never have happened, as Silva has revealed that he almost decided to leave the Citizens during his third season at the club.
He said: “Basically, in my third season here [2019-20] when Covid hit, I wasn’t very happy with my personal life. I was alone.
“Then, luckily enough, I met my wife and my life started getting better on a personal level. It had nothing to do with the city or the football club. I love this football club. But yeah, it was a time where I explored other options and I thought about it [leaving].”
Silva believes he made the right choice to stay, adding: “Pep was one of the biggest reasons that I stayed. They never allowed me to leave.
“But I’m really happy it didn’t happen then because I would have missed out on the treble, winning four [Premier League titles] in a row and a lot of fantastic things.
“After we won the Champions League I signed a new deal to stay another three seasons. From then, really, my goal was always to fulfil that contract until the end.”
What next for Silva?
Silva and his wife have received news that a second child is on the way, which will have an impact on where he decides to move this summer.
As well as this, the 31-year-old has made it clear that he still wants to be playing at the ‘highest level’, which likely rules out a move to the Saudi Pro League or MLS.
“Finding something where I still feel competitive, where I can play at the highest level, which I still want to do, and where my family is happy,” he continued.
“That’s a very important part of my life. My daughter is turning three and my wife is pregnant again, so in October we’re going to have a second child. I have an idea and my preference [for his next club], but we’ll see what happens.”
Asked about a possible move to Barcelona, Silva said: “I don’t want to talk about names. I genuinely don’t know where I’m going to be. I just really want to enjoy and focus on my last games here. I told my agent I will speak to him on the 25th, the day after that Aston Villa game.”
There will be time for Silva to make up his mind, but right now his full focus will be on Saturday’s FA Cup final, and City’s two remaining Premier League fixtures.
