11 June 2023 , 20:40
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Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan both remained coy on their Manchester City futures after helping them claim the treble.
Their historic achievement was crowned with victory in the Champions League final in Istanbul. Both men started as City secured a narrow win over Inter Milan, adding Europe's top prize to their Premier League and FA Cup triumphs.
Both men have been linked with departures from the Etihad, but were in no mood to open up on their next moves in the aftermath of the Champions League final. Bernardo has long been touted with a move away whilst Gundogan, the team's skipper, will soon see his contract expire.
The former, who joined from Monaco in 2017, has long been hailed by Pep Guardiola but has been linked with Barcelona in the past. He told Telefoot on his future: "Honestly, I don’t know. We’ll see what’s going to happen in the next few weeks, the next few months. Now we just have to celebrate this victory."
The Catalan said earlier this season on the Portuguese playmaker: "You would love to have him forever and it doesn't matter the position he plays, it doesn't matter what he has to do, his contribution is massive."
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Gundogan meanwhile, who hoisted the trophy aloft in Turkey, has been quizzed on his next move numerous times in recent weeks. His deal will expire this summer and whilst there is an offer on the table from City he has given nothing away, telling ESPN: “I haven’t decided my future yet.”
Ilkay Gundogan lifted the Champions League trophy on Saturday night (Getty)Bernardo and Gundogan have been pillars of City's success under Guardiola. Both arrived early in his tenure and have continued to perform at a high level. Gundogan scored numerous goals in the title run-in as City managed to overhaul Arsenal in the final months.
He then scored the fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final before later adding the winner as City saw off neighbours Manchester United at Wembley. Guardiola has made his views clear: “He’s an exceptional player and hopefully we can finish it [contract talks] in a good way. Txiki is working and hopefully we can do it. The season he has done is exceptional, not just being part of important moments."
The departure of either man would leave a sizeable hole in the City midfield as they look to build on their domestic and European dominance. Mateo Kovacic has been linked with a move to the Etihad with his Chelsea future unclear.