Silva Embraces Real Madrid Move After Nine Years at Manchester City

Bernardo Silva has completed his first training session since joining Real Madrid, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 31-year-old midfielder said he "didn't think twice" about joining the LaLiga giants after his trophy-laden spell with Manchester City came to an end last season.

Silva put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Madrid in June after spending nine years in England, where he was a key part of Pep Guardiola's side. The Portuguese international made 460 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, netting 76 goals and winning 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles.

Only David Silva made more top-flight appearances for City than Bernardo's 304, with that tally representing the most by any Portuguese player in the Premier League's history.

"The Dream of Playing for the Best Club"

Speaking to Real Madrid TV on Monday, Silva opened up about his decision to leave Manchester and embrace life in the Spanish capital.

"Having played against Real Madrid many times, you feel the importance of the club, and you feel how great it is to be here," Silva said. "When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible not to say yes. I didn't think twice."

He added: "Being close to my family, very near Portugal, in a very similar culture, helps. But the dream of playing for the best club in the history of football – because their trophies prove it – is a privilege."

Reunion with Jose Mourinho

Silva will now be under the guidance of compatriot Jose Mourinho, who returned to Madrid earlier this summer. Mourinho previously took charge of Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning the LaLiga title, along with the 2010-11 Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana in 2012.

"We've been opponents a few times, and now we're on the same side," Silva said on the opportunity to work with Mourinho. "I'm very happy, because he's a coach who means a lot to Portuguese football. Since I was little, we've watched his teams a lot, and he's always put Portugal's name at the highest level. I'm very happy to be able to start and learn from him."

Part of Major Summer Overhaul

Silva is one of five new arrivals at Madrid this summer, with Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espi also joining the club. Deals for Yan Diomande and Rodri are reportedly in the pipeline as Mourinho continues to reshape his squad.

The midfielder has played against Real Madrid 13 times across his career, all of which came in the Champions League for Manchester City, winning five of those matches (D6 L2). He scored four times against them, only managing more goals against Watford and Newcastle United (both five) throughout his professional career.

Now, Silva is ready to turn out for the LaLiga giants this season as Madrid prepare for their campaign under Mourinho's leadership.