Bernardo Silva says Real Madrid move fulfils childhood dream

Bernardo Silva has described joining Real Madrid as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition, saying he is delighted to have become part of the Spanish club after signing from Manchester City until the summer of 2028.

Speaking at a news conference, the Portugal midfielder said playing for Real Madrid was a dream he had held from a young age, long before he knew whether he would become a professional footballer.

“When you are a child and you do not know whether you will become a player, your dream is to play for Real Madrid,” Bernardo said. “I am extremely happy to be here.”

Bernardo has already made two pre-season appearances for Real Madrid, featuring in victories over Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna and German club Schalke.

Real Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 before recording a 3-0 win against Schalke. Bernardo took part in both matches as he began adapting to his new team following his move from Manchester City.

The 31-year-old said his appreciation of Real Madrid’s history had grown since arriving at the club, despite having played at the stadium on several previous occasions.

“I have played here several times before, and seeing the 15 UEFA Champions League trophies is always impressive,” he said. “But seeing them here as a Real Madrid player is even more special. Playing for a club like this is not available to everyone.”

Bernardo added that being inside the club’s press conference room had given him an even stronger sense of Real Madrid’s scale and importance.

“When you are in this room, you realise how great Real Madrid is,” he said. “I already knew that, but here you feel it for yourself.”

The midfielder will now turn his attention to the start of Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign. The club’s first league fixture will be away against Espanyol on Saturday, when Bernardo could make his competitive debut.

Real Madrid’s opening-round match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu will take place on Wednesday, 26 August. That game was postponed because a large number of Real Madrid players were involved in the later stages of the World Cup.

Bernardo said he was particularly eager to play at the Santiago Bernabeu in front of the club’s supporters and to begin competing for trophies.

“I am extremely happy to be here, and I am looking forward to playing at the Santiago Bernabeu soon and meeting the fans,” he said. “Now we have to work to continue winning trophies, because that is what this club is accustomed to.”

His arrival adds a new midfield option to a Real Madrid squad preparing for the domestic season, after the former Manchester City player completed his move on a contract running through June 2028.