“The doors open” – Club president paves way for Manchester City star to leave club

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva would be welcomed back to his boyhood club Benfica, according to the Portugal club’s President.

The 29-year-old has openly discussed the prospect of returning to Benfica during his playing career, having left the Liga Portugal side in 2014 after making just three first-team appearances.

Bernardo Silva was part of Benfica’s academy but moved to AS Monaco before completing a €50 million move to Manchester City in 2017, where the versatile midfielder has become a key member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Portuguese international has made over 320 appearances for Manchester City, winning 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Silva played a pivotal role in the Sky Blues’ European triumph last season, netting twice against Real Madrid in the semi-finals before assisting Rodri’s winning goal in the Final against Inter Milan.

The midfielder signed a new one-year contract extension at the Etihad Stadium in September, ending months of transfer speculation amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.

Silva’s new deal is widely claimed to include a £50 million release clause, with the potential for a number of clubs to reignite their interest in the Manchester City star next summer.

Portuguese giants Benfica are amongst the clubs who Silva could leave Manchester City for, with the midfielder having repeatedly outlined a desire to return to his boyhood club in the future.

After recently vowing once again to return to the Liga Portugal club, Benfica president Rui Costa opened the door to a return for the 29-year-old.

Speaking in an interview with outlet Record and relayed by Sport Witness, Costa said: “Bernardo Silva has the doors open, I think, at every club because of his reputation. He obviously has even more at home. I also heard the interview and I was very pleased to hear it, not as Benfica’s president but as a Benfica fan.”

“I’ve been out there as a player and I know that it often doesn’t just depend on the player, but on the club he represents.

“It’s not something for tomorrow. The day he decides to return to Benfica, whoever is president will have to make that decision. As it’s not until 2025, I can’t make any decisions about that.

“We’re all to blame when something doesn’t go well. If we’re talking about Bernardo, we’re talking about one of the best players in the world.

“We’re all very sorry he’s not at Benfica, but he’s deservedly among the elite of world football today.

“He’s never hidden his passion for Benfica and I like that a lot. I and all Benfica fans hope that he can wear our shirt again.”