The Football Interview: Bernardo Silva Discusses His Career and Influences
The Football Interview is a new series where prominent figures in sports and entertainment engage in thought-provoking conversations with host Kelly Somers about the nation's favorite sport.
This series delves into topics such as mindset and motivation, while reflecting on defining moments, career achievements, and personal insights. The Football Interview aims to reveal the individual behind the athlete.
New episodes will be released every Saturday on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website. This week's episode featuring Bernardo Silva will air on BBC One at 23:20 GMT on Saturday, December 13 (00:05 on Sunday, December 14 in Scotland).
No player has appeared more frequently under Pep Guardiola than Bernardo Silva, who has made over 400 appearances for Manchester City since joining the club in 2017. Together, they have secured six Premier League titles, and Silva has also won the Nations League twice.
In a recent interview with Kelly Somers, Silva discussed his experiences playing under Guardiola, his memorable matches, and his aspirations of winning the World Cup.
Kelly Somers: Thank you for joining me today, Bernardo. Let’s start with what drew you to football. How did you find your way into this sport?
Bernardo Silva: It was a natural choice for me, as football has always been my passion. I remember always having a ball at home, even when my mother would get upset with my father for me breaking things. The ball was always with me, and it was a big part of my life.
Kelly: Did you have siblings? Was it a family affair?
Bernardo: I have two sisters. While it wasn’t a family tradition, my father is a huge football fan and enjoys playing as well. My mother also attended matches, despite being a supporter of the rival team. My father’s family supports one team, while my mother’s family supports another.
Kelly: Your father supports Benfica, correct?
Bernardo: Yes, my father is a Benfica supporter, while my mother supports Sporting.
Kelly: That must have been a point of contention when you chose to join Benfica. How did your mother react?
Bernardo: Surprisingly, she was supportive. It was actually my maternal grandfather’s idea, as he was a Sporting fan. They always encouraged me. I spent 12 years at Benfica, starting at age seven and continuing until I was 19. I’ve been at City for nine years now. I am a Benfica fan, and it has always been my dream to play for such a prestigious club. I was fortunate to have access to excellent coaching and facilities from a young age.
Kelly: Who would you say has had the most significant influence on your career and the player you are today?
Bernardo: It’s challenging to pinpoint just one influence. Benfica shaped me from ages seven to 19, while my time at Manchester City has been nine years. Benfica provided me with essential football knowledge and helped shape my character. Monaco was a shorter stint, but it allowed me to start playing at a higher level. At Manchester City, I have achieved more than I ever dreamed, including six Premier League titles.
Kelly: Can you name a teammate or coach who has particularly shaped you?
Bernardo: Pep has been a significant influence on my development as a manager. At Monaco, I was fortunate to play alongside Joao Moutinho, an incredibly intelligent player who served as a mentor. At City, I have learned from many great players, including Vincent Kompany, David Silva, and Fernandinho, each providing unique insights.
Kelly: Did you hear Pep’s recent comments about you being one of the best players he’s ever trained?
Bernardo: Yes, I saw that, and I’m honored he feels that way. I’ve played the most matches under him, so there’s a special bond there. Over the nine years, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from him.
Kelly: Pep has an interesting dynamic with his players. It often seems like he’s intensely discussing something with you, even after a big win. Have you experienced that?
Bernardo: Yes, many times. Some people may misinterpret his passionate gestures as complaints, but he’s usually just addressing small details he wants us to improve. He can be frustrated at times, but his animated style makes it seem more intense than it is.
Kelly: If you could relive one game from your career, which would it be?
Bernardo: That’s an easy choice—the Champions League final in 2023 when we beat Inter Milan 1-0. However, even in our losses, like the quarter-final against Tottenham in 2019, I have fond memories of those matches.
Kelly: What about the toughest moment in your career?
Bernardo: Losing the Champions League final to Chelsea in 2021 was difficult, but I would say that the semi-final loss to Real Madrid in 2022 was even tougher. We were significantly better in both legs, yet we lost in the final moments. It was a frustrating experience, but ultimately we succeeded in the Champions League.
Kelly: You mentioned frustration. Would you say that sums up parts of your last couple of years at Manchester City?
Bernardo: Yes, we are working to restore our winning culture. Achieving what we did in my first seven years is not typical. Winning six Premier Leagues, a treble, a domestic quadruple, and breaking goal records is extraordinary.