28 December 2023 , 16:46
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Bernardo Silva has revealed his dream of returning to ex-club Benfica later in his career.
Yet the Manchester City superstar believes the transfer is currently "impossible" due to his hefty price tag. Silva, who extended his contract until June 2026 earlier this year, started his football journey at Benfica before moving to Monaco and then to City in 2017.
The 29-year-old has always kept the possibility of going back to his childhood club alive but doesn't see it happening while he's still tied to the Etihad. Clubs in Portugal often struggle to match the transfer fees of the top five European leagues.
Portuguese teams spent a total of £168million on transfers over the summer, compared to the Premier League's whopping £2.36billion. Silva, who's been in top form for City this season, thinks his club's valuation of him would make it too pricey for Benfica.
Silva was asked about the possibility of rejoining Benfica in an interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola after being named their 'Figure of the Year 2023'. "I've never hidden that one day I want to go back, so of course I do," admitted the Portugal international.
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"Now, we'll see over time what's possible and it's not worth talking about this all the time, because people get tired... Let's see."
Silva was also asked for his opinion on the speculation surrounding his future. The five-time Premier League winner has previously been linked with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia, most notably in the last two summer transfer windows.
Silva said: "We talk more and more and it becomes a bit repetitive. I realise that people get tired too. But since I'm asked this question so many times, I'm not going to lie. I always say: it's a reality that I want to return to and I hope that one day it can happen."
Silva won another trophy with Manchester City - the Club World Cup - earlier this month (FIFA via Getty Images)Do you think Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City soon? Let us know in the comments below!
The midfielder went on to say "there are contractual issues that have to be respected" and the reality of Benfica's financial situation in comparison to City's. He's urging fans that want to see him return to Benfica to be "a little realistic".
Silva continued: "Even if I I wanted to go to Benfica at the moment it was totally impossible because Manchester City is asking for a lot of money for a transfer for me."
When asked if he could only move to Benfica once his City contract ends, he replied: "It would have to be. I think so, of course yes."
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