Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed Bernardo Silva as the club new captain having changed the selection rules.
Guardiola in the past has allowed the squad and backroom staff to vote for their own captains but, after an underwhelming past season, he has taken control of the situation himself
The Spaniard tactician named Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland as the candidates.
Silva received the most glowing report, suggesting that when fit and selected, it will be the former Monaco playmaker who leads out the team.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“I’m the manager and this season, for the first time in my career, I decided who is to be my captain,” said Guardiola.
“I didn’t like what happened last season and I decided this season who represents the team. Sometimes I want to be the boss!
“I think Bernardo had been an incredible figure for us. Eight years here, no injures, always in the bad moments he makes a step up, sets the example on the pitch.
“Ruben it is not necessary to say. He has been (the same as Silva), and Rodri at the same time.”
Silva, Ruben Dias, and Rodri all featured in the leadership group last season, along with Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne, but the elevation of 24-year-old Haaland is new.
Bernardo has also confirmed he will stay at Manchester City for the coming season. The Portugal midfielder is entering the final year of his contract and has been linked with a move this summer after eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
Silva said: “This season will for sure be with Man City. I’m going to stay.
“I’ve had options in the past and this year but, like last year, this year my option is to stay at Man City.”
Silva, speaking in Philadelphia ahead of City’s opening match of the Club World Cup against Wydad Casablanca, would not say if it would be his final season in Manchester or not.
He said: “I know what I’m going to do but it’s not the time to talk about that. I’m very focused on my season and performing well for Man City. When the time is due I will talk about it.”
