Bernardo Silva: Real is the best club in history
The Portuguese midfielder completed his first training sessions under José Mourinho and gave an extensive interview to Real Madrid TV, revealing that Luka Modrić was one of his idols.
The Portuguese midfielder completed his first training sessions under José Mourinho and gave an extensive interview to Real Madrid TV, revealing that Luka Modrić was one of his idols.
Bernardo Silva has officially begun his adventure at Real Madrid. The Portuguese underwent his medical on Monday, August 3, 2026, and then completed two training sessions at the Real Madrid City training complex under the watchful eye of new coach José Mourinho.
After a demanding day, the 31-year-old midfielder gave an extensive interview to the club's television channel, with enthusiasm evident in every word. "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," Silva told Real Madrid TV.
Silva arrived in Madrid as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired. Although his desire to play in Spain was well known, a move to Real Madrid was not on the table until recently. The turning point came from Mourinho, who insisted on his signing.
The Portuguese midfielder turned down an offer from Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona also failed to lure him. "When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible to say no, and I didn't think twice about it," he stated. He added that the dream of playing for the best club in football history is a privilege.
In the interview with the club's TV channel, Silva also revealed his footballing idols, and the list included a former Real Madrid player. "I have many. Zinedine Zidane is one of them without a doubt. Also Rui Costa, because he was a Benfica and Portugal player, and Luka Modrić, who was a great role model and example on and off the pitch."
He said of Zidane that he is perhaps among the five best players in football history and that as a young man he watched him control the ball and play in a similar position. Spanish outlet Marca has already compared Silva to Modrić, recalling that it was Mourinho who brought the Croatian midfielder to Real Madrid from Tottenham.
Silva described himself as a player who relies on hard work and strives to make those around him better. "I always try to be available in several positions to help the team. I can adapt to many places and I'll be ready for whatever Real Madrid needs," he said.
His statistics from the last season at Manchester City confirm that versatility and endurance: he played 55 matches, including all 38 in the Premier League (almost 3,000 minutes), eight in the Champions League, four in the FA Cup, and three in the League Cup. At Real, he will reunite with Rodri, his former City teammate.
Silva was captain at City and a favorite of Pep Guardiola, and his arrival at Real Madrid represents a departure from the club's usual transfer policy, partly because he arrived on a free transfer and partly because he has proven his worth on the pitch.
While Real Madrid celebrates Silva's arrival, Tottenham is preparing for the departure of Cristian Romero. According to Mundo Deportivo and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter has reached an agreement with the London club for the transfer of the Argentine defender for around €40 million.
Romero featured for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup this summer. Inter coach Cristian Chivu wants another top-class center-back after recently bringing in John Stones on a free transfer following ten seasons at Manchester City. The only obstacle remains reaching an agreement with the player and his agents, with negotiations over the finalization of the contract ongoing.
