Real Madrid dropped a 57-second promotional clip on Wednesday night meant to welcome Bernardo Silva to the Bernabéu. It cut between AI-generated hedgehogs, sheep, meerkats, penguins, beavers and an octopus all staring off-screen, before ending on the Portuguese midfielder himself.
Under the post, Erling Haaland asked the question a lot of people were already thinking.
“Did you agree to this, @bernardocarvalhosilva?”
The comment from the Norway striker, Silva’s teammate at Manchester City for the past four seasons, spread across football social media through Thursday.
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An “embarrassing” welcome
The clip landed badly with Madrid’s own supporters. Fans branded it “really embarrassing” and called on the club to replace its social media team, according to GiveMeSport.
The awkward part is the timing. Silva had already been presented at Ciudad Real Madrid on 19 August, where President Florentino Pérez handed over a shirt with the number 20. The animated animals arrived after the fact.
A free transfer built around Mourinho
Silva’s move was completed on a free transfer when his Manchester City contract expired at the end of last season. Real Madrid confirmed the deal on 17 June, announcing a two-year contract that runs to 30 June 2028.
The Portugal international turned down other suitors, and the appointment of fellow Portuguese José Mourinho as head coach was reported as the decisive factor in swinging him towards Madrid.
For Manchester City, losing Silva after nine years is a real jolt to the midfield. He arrived at the Etihad in 2017 and won six Premier League titles and the 2022/23 Champions League as part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side, ending his City career among the most decorated players in the club’s history.
Four seasons alongside Silva
Haaland joined City in 2022 and lined up alongside Silva for four seasons. His Instagram jab reads like the kind of needle a former colleague fires off to a friend, not a swipe at the transfer itself.
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