Bernardo Silva: No one can take over from Ronaldo; I want to retire at Benfica

The City midfielder spoke to AS about the Champions League tie against Real Madrid, his moves to Benfica and City and what it’s like playing under Guardiola.

Bernardo Silva, playing at Manchester City, has put himself firmly in the group of the current best in the world. 

In the interview with AS, Bernardo also talked about his Portugal teammates and his life during the coronavirus lockdown.

Portugal players

- What do you think about Joao Félix?

- I’ve trained with him a lot of times with the national side now and I haven't seen that level of potential in many other players. Of course he needs to work and improve a lot of things. The price they paid for him is fair, Joao is worth it.

- Portugal have had some of the biggest stars of all time, such as Eusebio, Chalana...

- Chalana! He was my coach at Benfica. I never saw him play, but my father and my grandfather told me about him, but as well as being my coach and one of the best players ever for Portugal, Chalana is my friend. He’s a great guy.

- So Eusebio, Chalana, Futre, Rui Costa, Figo and now Cristiano Ronaldo are legendary figures for Portugal, do you see yourself in the future in that group of Portuguese football legends? Can you take over from Cristiano?

- Taking Cristiano’s place is impossible. Nobody is going to do that. I’m going to try and always keep improving so I can do the best I can for Portugal and my club – helping my country and team to win everything possible.

- Bernardo Silva is a role-model for kids who aren’t as physically imposing... like Xavi, Iniesta and Silva have been.

- When a player is good they can make it – small, big... every player has different qualities. Some are more technical, faster, slower, taller, shorter... but when there is quality and hard work, every player can dream of making it.

- You’re full of fun, and your jokes are part of you.

- In our profession we’re lucky to do something we really like doing. I love what I do. It’s so lucky being able to play football every day like I do. Doing it with a smile is perfect. I try and have fun every day. I think when people are happy everything is easier.

Coronavirus lockdown

- You’ve been watching a lot of Netflix during lockdown, what series would you recommend?

- I’ve watched After Life. And now I want to see Last Dance, the documentary on Michael Jordan.

- And what book are you reading?

- I’m reading a book of poetry. I don’t read much, but now there’s not much to do, I’m reading Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. It’s really good.

- You speak four languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish and French.

- I do.

- And are you going to go back to study? You started university, doing International Relations...

- I don’t know. I’ve no idea what I’m going to do when I finish my career, but I’ll do something, no doubt about it.

- I read you’ve been cooking during lockdown. What have you cooked most?

- I’ve done a bit of everything. All really healthy. I’m a bit of a chef. I’ve cooked fish, meat, pulses, salads, pancakes... I’m an awesome chef (laughs).

- And you play the piano. What’s your favourite song to play?

- I’ve been playing a Brazilian number, Garota de Ipanema, and now I’m starting to play Imagine by John Lennon, I’m trying it, but it’s tough

- Have you got a Play Station? FIFA or Fortnite?

- I don’t have a Play Station at home, I don’t play. It’s not that I don’t like it, what happens is if I have it I spend hours on it and I prefer doing other stuff.

- That happens with social media, you get hooked.

- Yes, you spend so much time on the mobile, so much time in front of the television. I prefer not to have it, than to have it.

- Any tattoos?

- Just one, here on my forearm: Benfica’s motto: ‘E pluribus Unum’ (Out of many, one)

- Do you want to retire at Benfica?

- Yes. I never played in the first team and one day I want to.