“I like that a lot” – Club president ‘very pleased’ to hear Manchester City player wants transfer to his club

Just last week, we saw Manchester City star Bernardo Silva talking about the possibility of returning to Benfica in the future.

The midfielder made it clear that the move wouldn’t happen anytime soon, but said his deep feelings for the Eagles will bring him back to them at some point.

Today, Portuguese newspaper Record features an interview that Benfica president Rui Costa gave to RTP. There, the club chief confirmed that the Manchester City player will be welcomed at the club.

“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.”

Bernardo Silva was part of Benfica’s academy for years, but only had the chance to make three appearances for the club. In 2014, the Eagles negotiated him with Monaco, first on a loan spell, then in a €15.75m permanent move.

It was in the summer of 2017 that the Portugal international was purchased by Manchester City on a €50m deal, and became a club hero, currently with 58 goals and 62 assists in 320 games.

His contract with the Premier League side runs until 2026, and since he’s still 29, it should indeed take a few years until the return to the Eagles becomes a real possibility.