Bernardo Silva has begun his Real Madrid career by describing the chance to join the club as an honour and saying he could not turn down a call from “the best club in the history of football”.
The Portugal midfielder arrived at Real Madrid on Monday as a free agent from Manchester City and completed his first day with the Spanish club.
Silva underwent his medical examination in the morning before taking part in both training sessions scheduled at Real Madrid City. They were his first sessions under the management of Jose Mourinho, who he had previously faced as an opponent.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the sessions, Silva said he was excited to start a new chapter with the club.
“It is extremely special and I am very happy to be here. There is no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself,” he said.
“I am very happy to begin this stage and try to help this team continue winning, because that is what it knows how to do. I am another player here to help and try to continue this club’s winning path.”
The 29-year-old admitted that his opening day of training had been demanding, although he was encouraged by the atmosphere within the squad.
“I am tired. The first training session was difficult, but I am very happy to meet my team-mates. I already know some of them well because I have played against them many times,” Silva said.
“Everyone trains with great intensity, and this place makes you feel as if it is home.”
Silva also spoke warmly about Mourinho, whom he had previously encountered as a rival during his career.
“We have been opponents at times, and now we are in the same team. He is a manager who means a lot to Portuguese football. Since I was young, we used to follow his teams closely, and he has always kept Portugal’s name at the highest level. I am very happy to start working and learning with him,” he said.
Asked what he could bring to the team, Silva presented himself as a versatile player whose priority is to serve the collective.
“I am a player who relies on hard work and on trying to make the people playing alongside me better. I always try to be available in several positions to help the team. I can adapt to many places, and I will be ready for whatever Real Madrid need,” he said.
Silva revealed that he did not hesitate when Real Madrid made contact.
“When Real Madrid appeared, it was impossible to say no, and I did not think about it twice,” he said.
“After playing against Real Madrid many times, you feel how great the club is and how imposing the Santiago Bernabeu is. Being close to my family, very close to Portugal, and in a very similar culture helps. But playing for the best club in the history of football is a privilege.”
The midfielder also named several of his footballing idols, including one figure with a strong connection to Real Madrid.
“I have many… Zinedine Zidane is certainly one of them, as is Rui Costa, because he is a Benfica and Portugal player, and Luka Modric, who was a great role model and an example both on and off the pitch,” Silva said.
“Zidane is perhaps among the five best players in the history of football. He played more or less in my position, and when I was young I watched the way he controlled the ball and the way he played.”
