Transfer: Ex-Portugal boss, Santos hails Real Madrid over recent signing
Former Portugal Coach Praises Bernardo Silva’s Transfer to Real Madrid
Fernando Santos, the former head coach of the Portugal national team, has expressed his approval of Bernardo Silva’s recent signing with Real Madrid. Silva joined the Spanish club last month on a free transfer after a successful stint at Manchester City.
Now 31, Silva arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu following nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium, where he scored 76 goals in 460 appearances across all competitions. During his tenure with Manchester City, he won 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles.
Most recently, Silva played in the 2026 World Cup held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, where Silva missed a late opportunity to equalize by heading the ball over the bar.
Santos, who led the Portuguese national squad from 2014 to 2022, highlighted Silva’s impressive qualities. “As a footballer, Bernardo Silva is well-known. He possesses immense quality and perceives the game in a way that very few players can,” Santos stated. “His high standards as a player are complemented by his character. He is attentive, courteous, kind, and consistently wears a smile. On a personal level, he ranks among the finest footballers I have encountered throughout my career. Real Madrid has acquired a phenomenon in every aspect.”
Refuting claims that Silva may have passed his prime, Santos remarked, “Based on my observations this season at City, I would assert that he remains at his best. I know him very well, and I am confident that he has many excellent years ahead. He is still at the pinnacle of his career, and he will demonstrate that. In my opinion, he remains one of the best in the world. I believe Real Madrid made a wise decision in signing him, and he will significantly contribute to the team.”
Silva has signed a two-year contract with Real Madrid after concluding a title-winning season at Manchester City, despite Arsenal securing the Premier League title.
