Pep Guardiola has issued one final challenge to Bernardo Silva as the midfielder prepares to bring his long and decorated spell with Manchester City to an end at the conclusion of the season.
The City manager has called on his captain to push for one last glory, urging him to help drive the team toward further success before departing after nearly a decade at the club.
In return, Guardiola has pledged that he and the squad will do everything possible to ensure Silva’s farewell is marked in fitting fashion over the coming weeks.
Silva confirmed earlier this week that this campaign will be his final one in Manchester, closing a chapter that has seen him become one of the most influential figures of Guardiola’s tenure.
Since joining in 2017, the Portugal international has made 451 appearances and established himself as a cornerstone of the side, trusted repeatedly by his manager in crucial moments.
Over those years, Silva has played a central role in a period of sustained dominance, helping City to 19 major honours.
With the season entering its decisive phase, there remains the possibility of adding to that tally, with both domestic and cup competitions still within reach.
A farewell driven by ambition
While tributes and celebrations are expected once the season concludes, Silva himself has made clear that his immediate priority lies elsewhere.
His focus, as outlined in his announcement, is firmly on the team’s ongoing pursuit of silverware, including their Premier League campaign and FA Cup ambitions.
That mindset has been echoed by Guardiola, who believes the most appropriate way to honour Silva’s contribution is through continued success on the pitch.
“We have won 19 titles together and still we are challenging in two and we are going for it, that’s for sure,” Guardiola told club official website
The Catalan coach was speaking ahead of City’s upcoming fixture, and his words reflected both pride in what has been achieved and determination to finish strongly.
For Guardiola, Silva’s departure represents more than the loss of a key player; it signals the gradual evolution of a team that has defined an era.
“These players leaving, it’s part of myself leaving too. It’s difficult to imagine without him,” he added.
Silva has not only been a consistent performer but also a symbol of the style, discipline and mentality that have characterised City’s success.
His versatility, technical quality and relentless work rate have made him indispensable across multiple seasons.
“I’ve said many times that on and off the pitch he made an incredible statement during nine years here and he has been massively, massively, massively important,” Guardiola said.
Such praise reflects the broader influence Silva has had within the squad. Beyond his performances, he has been a leader in the dressing room and a standard-setter in training, embodying the competitive edge Guardiola demands.
- Gabriel Agbonlahor’s prediction for Man City vs Arsenal clash
- Man City star reveals his plan for Lionel Messi if they meet again
“There have been many players that have been who we are. Winning and performing incredibly well. Mentally and everything,” Guardiola continued.
One final push for silverware
With the end of the season approaching, attention now turns to what can still be achieved. City remain firmly in contention domestically, and the coming weeks will define whether Silva’s farewell is accompanied by further trophies.
Guardiola has made no secret of his desire to give the midfielder a fitting send-off, but he is equally clear that such an outcome will require continued commitment from the entire squad.
“Hopefully we can deliver to him and he’s going to help us, I know that very well. He’s a special player in those terms. Hopefully we can deliver a good month because he deserves the best,” he said.
This weekend presents an immediate opportunity. With a game in hand over Arsenal, a victory at the Etihad Stadium would provide a significant boost in the title race.
It would also strengthen the prospect of Silva ending his City career on a high note, potentially adding a seventh league title to his collection.
