Bernardo Silva: We wanted to win the FA Cup for Kevin De Bruyne | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has expressed his disappointment over his side’s failure to win the FA Cup final for Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the latter’s exit from the club.

De Bruyne played his final home game in a Manchester City shirt on Tuesday night as Pep Guardiola’s men defeated Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium in what was no doubt a must-win game following the goalless draw against Southampton last week.

The 33-year-old played 100 minutes as Manchester City were beaten 1-0 in the FA Cup final by Crystal Palace at Wembley at the weekend, with Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal enough to lead the Eagles to their first major trophy.

“It was sad we couldn’t win it for him (Kevin De Bruyne),” Bernardo Silva said in the mixed zone after the defeat at Wembley, as quoted by the Mirror.

“We wanted to give him this, he deserves it so it’s a bit sad. I can’t imagine achieving all this success without him.

“He (De Bruyne) is a good friend of mine, I’m sad to see him go. I hoped and wished he would stay longer but this is life. I wish him all the best.”

Manchester City need just one point in their final Premier League game to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League – a key target for the club ahead of what is expected to be a busy transfer window in the summer.

De Bruyne is expected to announce his new club soon after Manchester City finish their Premier League campaign against Fulham as it appears highly unlikely the Belgian will travel to the United States with the Blues to play the FIFA Club World Cup.

Bernardo Silva could also follow De Bruyne through the exit door in the summer as he mulls on his future at a crossroads moment and summer for the club, who have seen the Portuguese international express a desire to leave since 2020.

Benfica are believed to be somewhat interested in bringing back the midfielder to his boyhood club, and as the playmaker enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium come the summer, this would be an ideal time for a sale on Manchester City’s side.