30 October 2023 , 07:41
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Pep Guardiola has described Bernardo Silva as "irreplaceable" at Manchester City - despite the player being linked with Barcelona.
Silva, 29, started and finished City's 3-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday. Erling Haaland hit a brace - with Silva setting up his second goal - before Phil Foden finished off the scoring. The result leave City two points behind Premier League leaders Tottenham.
Guardiola was full of praise for Silva after Sunday's game. The Portugal international has played an integral part in City's success under their Spanish manager but could leave the Etihad next summer, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain chasing his services.
Guardiola has always maintained his desire to keep Silva, with the playmaker signing a new three-year deal in August. Yet it's claimed that contract includes a £50million release clause that can be activated next summer, allowing him to seek a new challenge.
Although speculation over Silva's future will continue to appear on the back pages, Guardiola is glad he's still around. "I could stay here and talk for 10 minutes on what Bernardo Silva means for me and our team," the City boss told reporters. "He is a player that is beyond good in all departments - solidarity, intelligence, he understands everything.
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"We are in love with him. The problem is he has no big cars, he dress maybe not for high style. He is humble and everybody loves him in the locker room. We were lucky not to lose him. He is irreplaceable. I know he is happy here."
Silva produced another fabulous display on Sunday (Getty Images)How important is Bernardo Silva to Manchester City's hopes of winning silverware? Let us know in the comments below!
Guardiola was appointed by City in July 2016 but failed to win silverware during his first season in charge. Their fortunes changed in May 2017 when Silva arrived from Monaco for an initial £43.5m, just weeks after winning the Ligue 1 title.
Silva has since played more than 300 games for Guardiola's side and won 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles. His ability to play in central midfield, on the wing or even at full-back is one of the reasons why Guardiola rates him so highly.
It'll be hard for Silva to leave City if they keep on winning at places like Old Trafford. "Definitely one of the best wins here (at City), especially away from home," Silva told City's website. "At home it is a little bit easier, because the crowd is with us.
"They get us in our momentum, they create the energy for us. To win here 3-0, with this crowd, I think it’s one of the best performances we’ve done in the past. When we come to these types of places, Anfield, Old Trafford, we know what teams are waiting for... So happy with the three points. It’s never easy to come here and beat this team."