Is Silva hoping for the perfect farewell?published at 12:28 BST
Chelsea v Man City (Sun, 16:30 BST)
Manchester City
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City winning a ninth Premier League title could mean even more to captain Bernardo Silva, who’s expected to leave the club in the summer.
The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and has been linked with La Liga leaders Barcelona, Serie A side Juventus and clubs in the United States.
City’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders hinted that Silva’s nine-year spell at the club coming to an end following their 4-0 FA Cup victory over Liverpool last weekend.
“You never replace a player with the same kind of player because they don’t exist,” Lijnders said.
“Bernardo Silva is unique. The way he controls games, the way he moves, the way he receives, the way he leads, the way he sees the solutions. All these things.
“But it will be hard because, as I said, in the game, when he is not playing you will see how he is missed – and that’s one game. Imagine a season.
“But every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months – there are only six weeks – and has a good farewell.
“He deserves all that attention as well.”
