Bernardo Silva says he wants to leave a lasting legacy at Manchester City as he prepares for his first season as club captain.
Bernardo was named City captain in June following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure to Napoli, making the Portugal international the first captain Pep Guardiola has ever appointed in his managerial career.
City have previously operated with a leadership group, with captains elected by the members of the squad.
But following an uncharacteristically-disastrous season that saw them locked in the fight to secure a top-five Premier League finish, Guardiola has opted to choose City’s new captain himself.
Bernardo had previously been a part of the leadership group and led City at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this summer, where they suffered a surprise Round of 16 exit to Al-Hilal.
Despite the early disappointment, Bernardo says he is fully focused on guiding the next generation at the Etihad.
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Speaking at the ‘City Are Back’ open training event on Tuesday (August 5), Bernardo revealed his delight in being named captain ahead of the new season.
“I was lucky enough to play with some players like Vincent, Fernandinho, David [Silva], Kun [Sergio Aguero] and the legacy they left us is that it’s not enough to finish second, third or fourth,” the Portugal international said.
“The legacy we want to leave to the younger guys and the new signings is that at this club, we need to win and that's the motivation we have.”
Bernardo joined City from Monaco in 2017 and has since become one of Guardiola’s most trusted players, going on to make 266 Premier League appearances and counting, during which he has scored 43 goals and picked up 46 assists.
Now, the 30-year-old hopes to take on more responsibility off the pitch, especially with a younger squad around him.
“I’m very proud obviously but also know that it’s a very big responsibility,” he said about being given the armband.
“I will try to first of all be an example in the way I behave every day but also the biggest task is to create the right atmosphere in the dressing room.
“It’s about respect between us but at the same time competing for a position in the team.
“We’re very motivated for the new season, I think a lot of good things are coming and we’re working very hard to give the fans something they deserve, titles again.”
City begin their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 16.
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