Uncertain! Pep Guardiola in the dark over Bernardo Silva’s future

Bernardo Silva has been tipped to leave Manchester City this summer but Pep Guardiola claims he is yet to be told of his departure.

The Portuguese international contract expires this summer after nine years at the Etihad Stadium, and assistant manager Pep Lijnders all but confirmed as much last week.

“Every good story comes to an end and I hope he enjoys the last months – because there is only six weeks – and has a good farewell,” said Lijnders.

Manchester City are yet to provide official information about Silva’s future, and Guardiola insists he is still in the dark.

Bernardo Silva during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The City manager said: “I’m so grumpy with Bernardo because a month ago I said, ‘If you take a decision I have to be the first to (know)’ and he didn’t say anything to me yet.

“I said, jokingly, ‘Tell me, I deserve it’ but he didn’t tell me so I don’t know what’s going on!”

Silva joined Manchester City from Monaco in 2017 and has made 450 appearances. His achievements include six Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.

Guardiola appointed him captain this season, believing he had the perfect attributes for the role.

“The best decision I made this season,” Guardiola said.

“The team comes first. Sometimes politicians say something like that – the country comes first but then after it never comes first – but with Bernardo it is what it is.

“Last season was the toughest one but he was always there, leading by example playing and training good.”

Guardiola added that Silva has been one of the most reliable players of his near 10-year tenure.

He said: “He is really good in all departments. He plays a lot of games. Nine years we have been together and no injuries and never out.

“He can play in different positions, he is so smart and reads every moment what the action and game requires.”

Silva lifted the Carabao Cup trophy this season as the captain of the team and will be hoping City can stun league leaders Arsenal to win the Premier League title.