Bernardo Silva begins Real Madrid chapter under Jose Mourinho

Bernardo Silva has started his first day as a Real Madrid player after joining the Spanish club on a free transfer from Manchester City, saying the opportunity to represent “the best club in the history of football” was impossible to turn down.

The Portugal midfielder completed his medical on Monday morning before taking part in both training sessions scheduled at Ciudad Real Madrid. They were his first sessions under manager Jose Mourinho, and Silva later spoke to Real Madrid TV about an arrival marked by excitement.

“It is very special and I am very happy to be here,” said Silva. “There is no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself.”

Silva, who has moved to Real Madrid after facing the club many times during his career, said he was determined to help the team maintain its tradition of success.

“I am very happy to start this chapter and try to help this team continue winning, because that is what it knows how to do,” he added. “I am just another player here to help and try to continue the winning path of this wonderful club.”

The midfielder admitted his opening day had been demanding but said the atmosphere within the squad had made the transition easier.

“I am tired. The first training session was difficult, but I am very happy to get to know my team-mates,” he said. “I already know some of them well because I have played against them many times.”

“Everyone trains with great intensity, and this place makes you feel as if it is home.”

Silva also reflected on his relationship with Mourinho, who had previously been an opponent but is now his manager at club level.

“We have been opponents at times, and now we are in the same team,” said Silva. “He is a manager who means a lot to Portuguese football. Since I was young, we followed his teams closely, and he has always kept Portugal’s name at the highest level. I am very happy to start working with him and learning from him.”

The midfielder described himself as a versatile player whose priority is to improve the team and those around him.

“I am a player who relies on hard work and on trying to make the people playing alongside me better,” he said. “I always try to be available in several positions to help the team. I can adapt to many places, and I will be ready for whatever Real Madrid needs.”

Silva said he did not need time to consider the move once Real Madrid made contact.

“When Real Madrid appeared, it was impossible to say no, and I did not think about it twice,” he said.

Having played against the club repeatedly, Silva said he understood the scale of the challenge and privilege involved in joining it. He also welcomed the prospect of living close to his family and Portugal, where he said the culture was very similar.

“After playing against Real Madrid many times, you feel how great it is and how imposing Santiago Bernabeu is,” he said. “Being close to my family, and very close to Portugal, in a very similar culture, helps. But to play for the best club in the history of football is a privilege.”

Silva also named three of his footballing inspirations: Zinedine Zidane, Rui Costa and Luka Modric. Zidane, who is currently associated with Real Madrid, was singled out for particular praise.

“I have many… and Zinedine Zidane is certainly one of them,” Silva said. “Rui Costa as well, because he is a Benfica and Portugal player, and Luka Modric, who was a great role model and example both on and off the pitch.”

He added: “Perhaps Zidane is among the five best players in the history of football. He played almost in my position and, when I was young, I watched how he controlled the ball and how he played.”