Official: Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City this summer after his contract expires, ending his nine-year career.

Manchester City officially announced on Thursday that Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Bernardo Silva, 31, came through Benfica's youth academy and joined Manchester City from Monaco in July 2017 for £60 million. He has played for Manchester City for nine seasons, making 451 appearances, scoring 76 goals and providing 77 assists, winning one Champions League title, one Club World Cup title, six Premier League titles, two FA Cup titles, five League Cup titles, and three Community Shield titles with the team.

Bernardo Silva's current contract with Manchester City expires in two months. Since no new contract has been signed, his departure was expected.

In his farewell letter posted on Instagram, Bernardo Silva emotionally stated: "Nine years ago, I transferred here with a childhood dream. At that time, I longed to achieve success in my life and make a name for myself. This city and this club have given me so much more than that, even exceeding my expectations. The honors and achievements we have won together will forever be etched in my heart. 100 trophies, four domestic titles, a treble, four consecutive Premier League titles, and more... it doesn't seem so bad."

“In a few months, I will be leaving this city. It not only witnessed our glorious achievements on the field, but it was also the starting point for my marriage and the beginning of my family. Ines and Carlota, thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

"To the fans: I will never forget your unconditional support over the years. As a player, my primary goal has always been to play with passion, to make you proud, and to make you feel that the team truly represents you on the pitch. I hope you feel that in every game. I came as a Manchester City player and I leave as one of you, a lifelong Manchester City fan. Please continue to support this young team; I am confident they will bring you many more wonderful memories in the future."

"To the club, Pep, the entire staff, and all my teammates of the past nine years: Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for allowing me to be a part of this journey for so long. The atmosphere you create on the training ground day after day makes me feel right at home, like I'm part of a big family. Let's enjoy these last few weeks together and fight to the very end for the goals we still have to achieve this season."

Bernardo Silva's future remains undecided. According to Fabrizio Romano, several clubs in Europe, Saudi Arabia, MLS, and Turkey are interested in him, but the player himself has not yet made a final decision.

Image source: Internet/Manchester City official website