Bernardo Silva says opening the door to Manchester City‘s new generation is one of the reasons behind why he has decided to bring a nine-year stay at the Etihad to an end. 

The 31-year-old announced in April that he will be leaving City at the end of his current deal. 

It brings an end to a trophy-laden spell in Manchester that has included six Premier League titles, a Champions League and multiple FA Cups and Carabao Cups.

 Asked why now felt like the right moment to leave City, Silva said: 

“It’s a mix of things, in terms of trophies, in terms of what I personally achieved here, it’s never enough, but I feel that we won a lot, our generation.

“It’s time for these young guys to have their moment, and for me personally, it’s an opportunity to go a bit closer to my family. 

“It’s been quite a long time, 12 years, that I’ve been apart, and quite far away, and I want to be a bit closer to them.

“Also, I want a new challenge, even though I love the football club, and I loved the nine years here, I feel it’s the right moment for me to have a