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Portugal boss backs Bernardo Silva fit for Barcelona as midfielder weighs multiple options

·By Junior Yekini
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Portugal boss backs Bernardo Silva fit for Barcelona as midfielder weighs multiple options

Manchester City/X.com

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has offered an emphatic endorsement of Bernardo Silva's potential fit at Barcelona, declaring he has "no doubt" the free agent midfielder would excel at the club.

Silva, himself, has confirmed Barcelona remains an option but refused to commit to any destination before the World Cup.

Martínez spoke to Marca after Portugal's 2-1 friendly victory over Chile in Lisbon, with Silva having started the first half in the World Cup warm-up.

"Bernardo Silva is such a spectacular player that he fits into any dressing room in world football. A player like this does not appear as a free agent. He can adapt to any system and any style, and improve everything around him.

"It's not the position — it's the footballing intelligence he has, and then the technical level that allows him to dominate every action he participates in."

He was equally direct on the Barcelona question.

"I have no doubt that he would fit in at Barça."

Silva, 31, left Manchester City after nine seasons having declined to renew his contract. He has confirmed interest from Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and others, and told reporters he intends to find a club where he feels genuinely wanted.

"Barcelona is an option I have, but I haven't made my decision yet. I have many options on the table. 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."

Barcelona's sporting director Deco is keen but must generate outgoing transfer income before any major signings can be registered. Atlético Madrid are pushing hard in parallel.