Erling Haaland has lauded Bernardo Silva as the “smartest player” he has ever shared a pitch with, following the Portuguese midfielder’s departure from Manchester City in 2026. Silva, a pivotal figure in Pep Guardiola’s dominant City side for nine years, made the move to Real Madrid on July 1, 2026, marking the end of an era at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland, a prolific striker who, at 26, has already netted 112 goals in 132 appearances, offered his high praise for Silva ahead of his former teammate’s exit. “He’s probably the smartest player I’ve ever played with because of the way he controls a game,” Haaland told Sky Sports, via CityXtra.

Silva’s tenure at Manchester City was nothing short of extraordinary. He became the most-capped player under Pep Guardiola, featuring in 460 matches during the manager’s 2016-2026 reign. His versatility was a hallmark of his game, evolving from a creative winger to a tempo-dictating central midfielder, and even deputizing at left-back when required. This adaptability, combined with his relentless work rate and technical brilliance, made him indispensable to City’s success.

A decorated career at the Etihad

During his time in Manchester, Silva amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including six Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League. His contributions were particularly crucial during City’s historic Treble season, where they secured the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. In that memorable campaign, Silva scored vital goals, including one against Bayern Munich and a brace against Real Madrid.

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Reflecting on Silva’s impact, Haaland struggled to find adequate words. “To talk about his Man City career in the last nine years, it’s been crazy. He has six Premier Leagues – look at this trophies – he won the Champions League, look how important he was for us in the Treble season, scored against Bayern [Munich], two [goals] against [Real] Madrid,” Haaland stated. “It’s difficult to find words because he’s been such an important figure for this club for the last nine years. He’s been shaping the club with the way he’s been on the pitch and off the pitch.”

The 31-year-old midfielder, who also represents Portugal internationally with 113 caps and 14 goals, leaves City with a remarkable statistical legacy under Guardiola, as reported by GiveMeSport, with figures correct as of August 2, 2026:

• Premier League: 304 games, 45 goals, 51 assists

• Champions League: 86 games, 15 goals, 11 assists

• FA Cup: 36 games, 11 goals, 7 assists

• EFL Cup: 23 games, 2 goals, 6 assists

• FIFA Club World Cup: 5 games, 2 goals, 1 assist

• Community Shield: 6 games, 1 goal, 1 assist

• Total: 460 games, 76 goals, 77 assists

Bernardo Silva’s departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, but his legacy as one of the club’s most intelligent and impactful players is firmly cemented, as acknowledged by his former teammate.

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