Bernardo Silva has described joining Real Madrid as a “privilege” after completing his first day with the Spanish club following his free transfer from Manchester City.
The Portugal midfielder underwent a medical on Monday morning before taking part in both training sessions scheduled at Real Madrid’s training ground. They were his first sessions under head coach Jose Mourinho, who Silva previously faced as an opponent.
Speaking to Real Madrid’s television channel, Silva said the move had been impossible to reject when the club made contact.
“It’s very special and I am very happy to be here,” he said. “There is no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself.”
Silva added: “I am very happy to start this chapter and try to help this team continue winning, because that is what it knows how to do. I am just another player here to help and try to continue the winning path of this great club.”
The 30-year-old admitted his first day of training had been demanding, but said he had quickly felt at home among his new team-mates.
“I am tired. The first training session was difficult, but I am very happy to get to know my team-mates,” Silva said. “I already know some of them well because I have played against them many times.”
He continued: “Everyone trains with great intensity, and this place makes you feel as if it is home.”
Silva also spoke warmly about Mourinho, who has previously been an opponent during his career but is now his manager at Real Madrid.
“We have been opponents at times and now we are on the same team,” he said. “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 taken Portugal’s name to the highest level. I am very happy to start working with him and learning from him.”
Asked what he could bring to the side, Silva presented himself as a versatile player whose priority is to serve the team.
“I am a player who relies on hard work and on trying to make the people playing alongside me better,” he said. “I always try to be available in several positions to help the team. I can adapt in many areas and I will be ready for whatever Real Madrid needs.”
Silva repeatedly faced Real Madrid during his time at Manchester City and said those matches had given him a clear understanding of the club’s stature and the presence of its home ground, Santiago Bernabeu.
“After playing against Real Madrid many times, you feel how great it is and how imposing the Santiago Bernabeu is,” he said.
The midfielder also highlighted the personal appeal of the move, with Madrid providing a location close to his family and Portugal, as well as a familiar culture.
“Being close to my family, very close to Portugal, and in a very similar culture helps,” Silva said. “But the dream of playing for the best club in the history of football is a privilege.”
Silva named Zinedine Zidane, Rui Costa and Luka Modric among his footballing idols. Zidane, a former Real Madrid player, was a particular influence because he operated in a similar position.
“I have many… and Zinedine Zidane is certainly one of them,” Silva said. “Rui Costa as well, because he is a Benfica and Portugal player, and Luka Modric, who was a great role model and an example both on and off the pitch.”
He concluded: “Zidane may be among the five best players in the history of football. He played more or less in my position, and when I was young, I watched how he controlled the ball and how he played.”
