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Man City great Bernardo confirms Barcelona is an option but delays final decision

·By Junior Yekini
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Man City great Bernardo confirms Barcelona is an option but delays final decision

Manchester City/X.com

Bernardo Silva has publicly confirmed that Barcelona are among his options for next season but has refused to commit to any club ahead of the World Cup.

Silva insista he will choose a destination where he feels genuinely wanted rather than being swayed by the weight of interest surrounding him.

The 31-year-old Portugal captain spoke to reporters at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras after starting in Portugal's 2-1 friendly victory over Chile — part of Roberto Martínez's final preparations before the squad departs for North America on June 10.

"Barcelona is an option I have, but I haven't made my decision yet. I have many options on the table, so I don't want to talk about a specific club, out of respect for all the clubs interested in me."

He was also clear about the values driving his decision.

"In the end, I'm going to try to find a team where they want me, where I feel truly wanted. That's very important, and you'll know the day I make my decision."

Silva's agent Jorge Mendes confirmed publicly this week that a decision would come after the World Cup. However, El Chiringuito's José Álvarez claimed on Friday that the midfielder has in fact already made up his mind to join Barcelona, with a move expected to be finalised in July. That report remains unverified by Silva or his camp.

Silva left Manchester City after nine seasons in which he made 460 appearances, scored 76 goals and contributed 77 assists, winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League and a host of domestic honours. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been the most prominently linked clubs, with Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr also having made approaches.