Bernardo Silva: 'When Real Madrid came calling, I didn’t think twice'

Bernardo Silva shared his first impressions as a madridista on Realmadrid TV after completing his first session at the Ciudad Real Madrid: 'It is very special, and I am very happy to be here. Talking about this club is unnecessary because its history speaks for itself. I am very happy to start and try to help this team keep winning, which is what it knows how to do: win, win, and win. I am here to contribute and try to follow this spectacular club's path of victories.'

First training session
'Tired. The first training session was tough, but I am very happy to meet all these people and my teammates. I already know some of them quite well because I have played against them many times, but I am very happy to now be with them and start this preseason on the right foot. Everyone is working with great intensity, and honestly, this place feels like home. I am very happy to be here.'

About Mourinho
'We have been rivals a few times, and now we are on the same side. I am very happy because he is a coach who means a lot to Portuguese football. Since I was young, we watched his teams a lot, and he has always elevated Portugal's name to the highest level. I am very happy to start and learn from him.'

What he can bring as a player
'I am a team player, a hard worker, someone who tries to make those around me better. I feel that I will bring a lot of effort and joy every day so that we can prepare for matches and be in the best possible shape. I always try to be available in various positions to help the team. I am a player who can fit into many roles and will be ready for anything that Real Madrid needs.'

The greatness of Real Madrid
'Having played against Real Madrid many times, you can feel the importance of the club and how great it is to be here, how immense it is to play at the Bernabéu, which is a very imposing stadium. When Real Madrid came calling, it was impossible to say no. I didn’t think twice. Being close to my family, very near to Portugal, in a culture that is very similar, also helps. But the dream of playing for the greatest club in football history, as its titles prove, is a privilege, and I am very happy.'

His references in football
'I have many references, and Zidane is undoubtedly one of them. Also Rui Costa for being a player of Benfica and Portugal, and Modrić, who has also been a very big reference for me and an example, not just for how he plays on the field but also off it. I have spoken to him a few times, and he is a great role model. Zidane might be in the top 5 of the greatest players in football history. He played more or less in my position, and when I was young, I admired the way he controlled the ball and how he played.'

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.