Manchester City’s midfield maestro Bernardo Silva will depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2025/26 season, assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirmed.

The 31-year-old Portugal international, who has become a symbol of the club’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, will leave as a free agent when his contract expires this June.

Speaking after City’s commanding 4–0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool, Lijnders paid tribute to a player who has defined an era in Manchester.

“Every good story comes to an end,” Lijnders said after City’s 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool. “I hope he enjoys the last months; there are only six weeks left, and he has a good farewell. He deserves all that attention.”

City boss Pep Guardiola, who was serving a touchline suspension during the match, has previously described Silva as “irreplaceable.”

Silva joined City from AS Monaco in 2017 for a reported £43.5 million and has since made over 450 appearances for the club. Renowned for his tactical intelligence, technical quality, and relentless work rate, he has been a central figure in one of the most successful eras in City’s history.

During his time in Manchester, Silva has won six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, among other honours.

After lifting the League Cup last month, City remain in contention for further silverware as the 2025–26 season enters its final stretch. Despite trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by nine points, Guardiola’s side still has a game in hand and eight fixtures remaining as they attempt to close the gap.

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