Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has offered rare insight into how he views the latter stages of his career, speaking openly about retirement, life after football and the possibility of moving into coaching once his playing days are over. The 31-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad, and while speculation persists around his long-term future, Bernardo’s latest comments — given to DAZN and relayed by A Bola — focus more on personal priorities than transfer rumours.
Bernardo admitted he has not yet decided how he will feel once he eventually steps away from the pitch.
“I don’t know if, when I finish my career, I will miss football or not. I think I will. Football brings a load of travel and energy that is difficult.”
Reflecting on a career that began in Benfica’s academy and has included a decade in elite European competition, he acknowledged that the demands of the sport have consumed most of his adult life.
He added: “With 20 years, or more with the youth years I gave to football, I will want to spend time with my family. I will want to travel with my wife. I want to give time to my children.”
Coaching remains a possibility
While Bernardo is unsure how much of himself he will want to give back to football once he retires, he did not rule out a return — and feels he could succeed on the touchline.
“I don’t know if I will want to give that time back to football after I finish my career. But without a doubt, if I return it will be as a coach, and I think I will have the ability to do it.”
The comments offer a glimpse into his long-term thinking at a moment when many in Portugal continue linking him with a future return to Benfica. For now, though, Bernardo is firmly focused on the immediate task of completing another season under Pep Guardiola.
One of Manchester City’s modern pillars
Bernardo is currently in his ninth season at Manchester City, a spell that has seen him win multiple Premier League titles and become one of Guardiola’s most trusted tactical players. Though he is no longer the goalscoring threat he once was, his intelligence, adaptability and control remain central to City’s multi-positional system.
This season, he has played 20 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 1354 minutes across all competitions. His influence often goes beyond numbers — managing rhythm, pressing triggers and positional rotations that Guardiola values immensely.
With his contract up at the end of the campaign, discussions around his future will intensify. But his latest comments suggest a man who is just as conscious of life beyond football as he is of the remaining peak years in his legs.
A player preparing for life beyond the pitch — but far from finished
In our view, Bernardo’s honesty reflects a player entering a mature phase of his career, balancing ambition with realism. The demands of Guardiola’s system and the relentless Premier League schedule take a toll, even on elite athletes. Bernardo’s desire for family time is not unusual for players in their thirties, but his openness about coaching hints at a competitive spark that may eventually pull him back in.
City know his value goes far beyond goals and assists. Few players interpret space or tempo like he does, and his leadership — quiet but influential — remains vital to a squad shifting generationally.
Whether he signs a new deal, returns to Portugal or explores a new challenge abroad, Bernardo’s next decision will be dictated by personal priorities as much as footballing ones.
Key Insights
- Bernardo Silva says he may pursue coaching after retirement.
- He wants to prioritise family time after a career defined by constant travel.
- In the final year of his Man City contract, with strong speculation from Portugal.
- Ninth season at City; 20 appearances, 1 goal, 2 assists this term.
- City face Crystal Palace next in the Premier League.
What’s Next?
Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on Sunday as they look to close the gap on Arsenal. Bernardo is expected to feature again as Guardiola leans on his experience during a demanding winter schedule.
👉 Man City fans — would you want Bernardo to stay beyond this season, or is it the right time for a new chapter?
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