Manchester City secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, with Bernardo Silva captaining the side in what was his final appearance for the club at the national stadium.
The decisive moment arrived in the second half when Antoine Semenyo produced a clever flick that sent the ball beyond Robert Sanchez and into the bottom corner, giving City the only goal they needed to win the match.
Bernardo later lifted the trophy alongside John Stones, with both players set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season when their contracts come to an end.
Bernardo Silva praises Pep Guardiola’s influence
After the final whistle, Bernardo Silva paid tribute to Pep Guardiola while reflecting on his time under the manager’s guidance.
“He changed the way I see football. 80 per cent of my career was with him as my manager,” Bernardo said. “All the things I hoped to achieve were with him.
“The relationship we have got is very strong with the frustrations and the achievements.”
When asked about the possibility of Guardiola departing the club, he added: “I care a lot about Man City. That’s his decision. It is not for me to comment on that. I wish all the best. I enjoy being with him having shared all these moments together.”
Trophy reflection and farewell moments
Bernardo also reflected on what the FA Cup triumph meant to him and the squad after another successful season.
“The FA Cup is a really, really special competition. To win it means so much to all the players, management and staff. After nine years at the club, I know how much this trophy means to our fans.
“They have to come to Wembley so often, which we know isn’t easy for them, but they are always behind us. It makes days like this even better knowing they are with us.
“Being able to lift another trophy at Wembley, where we have played so many times, is such a special feeling – one I never take for granted. To do so as captain makes this one of the best days of my career.
“Having already won the League Cup this year, this young team have now got a taste for trophies. I feel sure they will go on and win many more titles in the years to come.”