Bernardo Silva vowed that he and his treble-winning team-mates have their sights set on the Champions League after being named Manchester City‘s Player of the Season at the club’s trophy parade on Monday.
Silva enjoyed a fine campaign, nailing down a spot in the starting XI despite Riyad Mahrez’s arrival and excelling in a number of different roles, including on the wing and deputising for the often-injured Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.
The Portuguese trickster’s haul of seven goals in the Premier League helped City retain the title, while they also claimed the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the latter of which they won in a 6-0 hammering of Watford on Saturday – a record in the competition.
City announced Silva had topped a fan vote for the individual honour during Monday’s celebrations, with the winner declaring his intention to help secure European success next term after falling to Tottenham at the quarter-final stage in the 2018-19 campaign.
“Thank you very much everyone,” he said. “The way you pushed us this season. You made it real for us. Without them [the fans], it wouldn’t be possible. Next season, we’ll come back, trying to give you more titles.
“A lot of hard work has been put in. We’re very tired! It’s been a long season, a fantastic season for us, but with four trophies [the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield] for all squad and staff, it’s been amazing.
“Hopefully, we want to do better, try and go for European trophies as well – it’s what we’re missing. The supporters need to demand more from us. European trophies – we need that. Let’s go for it!”
Manager Pep Guardiola will be delighted to hear the 24-year-old’s rallying cry, with the two-time winner of the competition not having lifted the coveted trophy since 2011 with Barcelona despite the embarrassment of talent throughout a hugely expensive Man City squad.
Indeed, the Catalan coach was only able to reach the semi-final stage in three consecutive years with Bayern Munich, while failing to navigate past the quarter-finals during his time with the Premier League champions.
Be the first to comment