Bernardo Silva's 'pathetic' Liverpool comments and U-turn as Man City star announces exit

Bernardo Silva has confirmed his exit from Manchester City when his contract expires this summer, with the playmaker having won multiple titles during his trophy-laden nine-year spell at the club

Bernardo Silva is leaving Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has issued a statement announcing his exit from the Etihad following a nine-year stint.

The midfielder has secured several trophies in Manchester, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. He also ruffled up some feathers on Merseyside after many memorable clashes with Liverpool, particularly during Jurgen Klopp's tenure.

Silva, 31, infamously failed to clap Liverpool's players while Pep Guardiola's side gave the Reds a guard of honor after their Premier League title triumph in 2020. He faced criticism from Liverpool fans for his actions, but quickly hit back at them on social media.

The City icon famously tweeted after the incident: "To all Liverpool fans that have nothing else to do than to come to a Man City player account, I'm also sorry for you but for the wrong reasons... pathetic... go celebrate your titles, or try to find a partner, drink a beer with a friend, read a book... so many options!"

With Silva still receiving criticism the following day, he added: "I guess reading a book was a bit too much for you. Maybe just go for a brew."

Silva was asked about the controversy during an interview with The Times last year. He said: "I’m a bad loser, yeah. I hate losing. I played 12 years at Benfica, and they taught us not to be happy if you lose. "In my opinion, it’s kind of a hypocrisy (the guard of honor).

Silva clashed with Liverpool many times(Image: Getty Images)

"It’s not a tradition we have in Portugal. If they want to do it, they can do it, but I wasn’t going to clap Liverpool because that’s not how I celebrate defeat. When I win a title, I don’t need anyone else to clap for me."

Despite clashing with Liverpool fans, Silva completed a U-turn last year by admitting his respect for the Reds. When asked to name his toughest Premier League opponent, he said: "I always tend to go to Liverpool because I respect them a lot because of how good they are and how tough it was for us over the years to beat them.

"Liverpool players are always the toughest, I would say."

Silva added: "I’ve been at Man City for seven years and a few months, and Liverpool were always the toughest, but I like beating Man United as well!"

Silva, who will leave City as a free agent, confirmed his departure on Thursday. He wrote on social media: "When I arrived 9 years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things.

"This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart. The Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the Treble, the Four In A Row and much more… It wasn’t that bad.

"In a few months, it’s time to say goodbye to the city where not only we won so much as a football club, but also where I started my marriage and my family. From the bottom of my heart, Ines and Carlota, thank you!"

With City still in contention to win the Premier League title and FA Cup — having already clinched the Carabao Cup this season — Silva continued: "Let’s enjoy together these last weeks and fight for what this season still brings us. Love you all, Bernardo."