Bernardo Silva is set to stay at Manchester City for another three years after he signed a new contract on Wednesday, 23 August, and he has credited the fans with helping him make the decision.
It had been rumoured that the Portuguese midfielder could possibly leave the Etihad for the past couple of seasons now after there had been interest from the likes of Barcelona, PSG and most recently Saudi Arabia, but City fans will be delighted to hear he’s now snubbed all of them in favour of staying.
Announcing the contract extension on social media, Man City confirmed that fan favourite Silva will now be staying until at least 2026, adding an extra year onto his current deal.
Having already spent six seasons at the club, should he fulfil his newly revised contract until it expires, he will have spent just shy of a decade in blue.
Describing his time with this team as “a dream” thus far, the 29-year-old said: “I’ve had six incredible years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my time here.
“Winning the treble last season was extremely special and it’s exciting to be part of a squad where there is such a hunger and passion.
“I love the manager, my teammates and the fans and hope we can share even more great memories in the coming years.”
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The treble-winner also said that the affection he has received from the fan base down the years played a big part in influencing his decision, insisting that “the way they treat me and they help me, it’s a motivation. Since day one… the way the fans show their love and support is, of course, a big factor”.
You can watch the full interview after singing his new contract extension HERE.
With one of his key midfield partners having recently departed the club after Ilkay Gündogan joined Barcelona following seven years at the Etihad — another transfer rumour that rumbled on for some time and felt somewhat inevitable — supporters will be relieved to see that one of their most special players will be staying for a few more years.
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Since joining from AS Monaco back in 2017, Silva has scored a total of 55 goals in 308 appearances, won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups; four League Cups, two Community Shields and now the Champions League, not to mention countless awards from the PFA and at club level. Not too shabby.
Safe to say Bernardo Silva is the kind of player you want to keep around for as long as possible.
One crucial figure they will have to do without, though, at least until after the international break is manager Pep Guardiola, who is recovering over in Spain after undergoing back surgery.
Pep Guardiola in talks over first international management role
Danny Jones
Football icon and Manchester City legend Pep Guardiola is reportedly set for his first job since leaving the Etihad Stadium, as the Catalan head coach looks like he could be set to make his move into international management.
The generational manager, who has undoubtedly become one of, if not the greatest of all time, left Man City at the end of last season after a decade in East Manchester.
Stepping away from the sky blue side with 20 trophies in 10 years, he’s won pretty much everything there is to win – at least at club level, anyway.
With that in mind, multiple outlets are now claiming that Guardiola is getting ready to make his debut on the international circuit, already being heavily linked with a role as part of ‘gli Azzurri’.
EXCLUSIVE: The FIGC has met with Pep Guardiola to convince him to take over as national team head coach, according to Sky in Italy 🚨🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/qmzjunjur4
Yes, as per Sky News’ sporting arm over in Italy, Pep is now rumoured to be the next person to take the job in their national team, which would be his first proper senior position in international football.
According to Sky, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have already held meetings with the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City boss.
It remains unclear how advanced talks and/or negotiations have progressed up to this point, but it is said that fellow footballing veteran and AC Milan legend turned FIGC technical director, Paolo Maldini, has already travelled to meet the 55-year-old.
Believed to have been joined by former teammate and right-hand man Leonardo Araújo – who previously served as director at PSG – it looks to be more a case of whether Pep wants the job rather than if Italy want him.
From announcing a documentary series covering his final season at Man City, to even launching a dedicated ‘Decade of Pep’ fashion collection, it’s fair to say that both the club and the fan base are bidding a bittersweet goodbye.
Pep has already made it clear that he can’t see himself ever managing the Spanish national team, remarking: “I am a Catalan. I don’t see myself ever managing Spain.”
Meanwhile, other names rumoured as options for the Italian manager’s job include Andrea Pirlo and a return by fellow ex-MCFC boss, Roberto Mancini. Can you see Pep pipping any of these to the post?
As for his former club and ‘second home’, Cityzens will be glad to hear that while it may be all change over at the Etihad Campus, there is plenty to be hopeful about – including some steps more in the right direction when it comes to tickets.
England international and ex-Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75
Danny Jones
Football veteran and legend of the English game, Kevin Keegan OBE, has sadly died at the age of 75.
A former Liverpool and Newcastle player, not to mention England international, turned Manchester City manager and even Three Lions boss, his death was announced on Monday, 20 July.
The news comes following a battle with illness since the start of the year, after it was revealed that he was tragically diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer back in January.
The original ‘King Kev’ before the likes of De Bruyne, also affectionately known in the footballing world as ‘Mighty Mouse’, is said to have passed away with key members of his close family by his side.
Confirmed via a public statement issued to Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, they wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.”
Put simply, he had an incredible career and leaves a lasting legacy.
It goes on to read: “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Naturally, tributes are already flooding in online, with ex-pros, pundits and fans alike labelling him among England’s best-loved father figures and characters, with one user notably dubbing him as “one of football’s good guys.”
Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, after battling cancer.
The England, Liverpool and Newcastle United legend will be remembered as one of English football's most decorated players. pic.twitter.com/oNIPUV806n
Even at his fiery and most passionate best, he was still one of the most respected figures in the history of English football and the sporting world at large.
For instance, arguably his most iconic interview as Newcastle boss ahead of his team’s clash against Manchester United back in 1995/96 only showed how mild-mannered he often came across.
Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, former teammates and all those mourning the familiar face with a famously good head of hair.
Danny Jones -
24th August 2023 
