Bernardo Silva: “When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible not to say no”

MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 03: Bernardo Silva new player of Real Madrid at his medical examination at Ciudad Real Madrid on August 03, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Bernardo Silva has officially begun life as a Real Madrid player.

class="wp-block-paragraph">After completing his move from Manchester City earlier this summer, the Portuguese international took part in his first training session under José Mourinho on Monday before sitting down with Real Madrid TV to reflect on joining the Spanish giants, his excitement about working with Mourinho, and the opportunity to represent the club he considers the biggest in world football.

“The club’s history speaks for itself”Silva admitted that wearing the Real Madrid crest is something special, describing his arrival as a dream come true.

“It’s very special, and I’m very happy to be here. There’s no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself. I’m very happy to start and try to help this team keep winning, which is what they know how to do: win, win, and win. I’m just one more person here to help and try to continue this winning streak for this spectacular club.”

The 31-year-old reported for preseason after an extended break following Portugal’s World Cup campaign and immediately experienced Mourinho’s demanding training methods.

“Tired. The first training session was tough, but I’m really happy to meet all these people and my teammates. I already know some of them quite well because I’ve played against them many times, but I’m very happy to be with them now and to be able to start this preseason in a good way. Everyone is really focused, and this place really feels like home. I’m very happy to be here.”

Looking forward to working with MourinhoSilva also spoke about beginning a new chapter under fellow Portuguese José Mourinho, a manager he has admired since childhood.

“We’ve been rivals a few times, and now we’re on the same side. I’m very happy because he’s a coach who means a lot to Portuguese football. Since I was little, we 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 with him.”

Known for his versatility, Silva explained that his priority is simply helping the team in whatever role Mourinho requires.

“I’m a team player, a hard worker, someone who tries to make those around me better. I feel I’m going to bring a lot of hard work and a lot of joy every day so we can prepare for matches and arrive in the best possible shape. I always try to be available in several positions to help the team. I’m a player who can fit in many places and I’ll be ready for anything, for whatever Real Madrid needs.”

“I didn’t think twice”Having faced Real Madrid numerous times during his Manchester City career, Silva said he already understood the magnitude of the club before receiving the opportunity to join.

“Having played against Real Madrid so many times, you feel the importance of the club and how great it is to be here, how great it is to play at the Bernabéu, which is a truly imposing stadium. When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible not to say yes. I didn’t think twice. 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 titles prove it, is a privilege, and I’m very happy.”

Inspired by Zidane, Modrić and Rui CostaSilva finished by naming some of the players who have had the biggest influence on his career, highlighting Real Madrid legends Zinedine Zidane and Luka Modrić alongside Benfica and Portugal icon Rui Costa.

“I have many role models, and Zidane is undoubtedly one of them. Also Rui Costa, for being a Benfica and Portugal player, and Modric, who has also been a huge role model for me, not only in terms of how to conduct himself on the field but also off it. I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he’s a major influence. Zidane is perhaps in the top five best players in the history of football. He played more or less in my position, and when I was little, I watched the way he controlled the ball and how he played.”