Pablo Zabaleta asserts that Manchester City will strive to give captain Bernardo Silva a fitting farewell as he nears the end of his nine-year tenure with the club.
Key points
Pablo Zabaleta comments on Bernardo Silva's departure
Manchester City aims to give Silva a fitting send-off
Silva has been with the club for nine years
Zabaleta is a former defender for Manchester City
Mentioned in this story
Pablo ZabaletaBernardo Silva
Manchester City
City will fight to give Bernardo the right send-off, says Zabaleta
City will fight to give Bernardo the right send-off, says Zabaleta
Former Blues defender Pablo Zabaleta believes City will fight tooth and nail to provide captain Bernardo Silva with the perfect send-off as he prepares to call time on an incredible nine years at the Club.
On Thursday afternoon, the Portugal international confirmed he will leave City at the end of the season to complete a trophy-laden tenure in which the midfielder has been an integral member of Pep Guardiolaās side throughout.
To date, the skipper has helped City win 19 major trophies and he could add two further pieces of silverware to his cabinet in the final five weeks of the season, with City fighting for the FA Cup and Premier League title.
The latter is in full focus ahead of this weekendās top-flight clash. We welcome title contenders Arsenal to the Etihad for a 16:30 (UK) kick-off on Sunday 19 April.
A triumph on home soil would move City three points behind the Gunners and with a game in hand over the league leaders.
And from one City legend to another, Zabaleta is confident Guardiolaās side will want to lift as many trophies as possible alongside Silva in the final defining few weeks of the season.
Q&A
Why is Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City?
Bernardo Silva is preparing to end his nine-year career at Manchester City, although specific reasons for his departure have not been detailed.
What did Pablo Zabaleta say about Bernardo Silva's send-off?
Pablo Zabaleta believes that Manchester City will fight hard to ensure Bernardo Silva receives the perfect send-off as he leaves the club.
How long has Bernardo Silva been with Manchester City?
Bernardo Silva has been with Manchester City for an impressive nine years.
What impact did Bernardo Silva have at Manchester City?
During his nine years at Manchester City, Bernardo Silva has made significant contributions to the team's success, becoming a key player and captain.
Related Articles
Sports
Bournemouth reach agreement to appoint Rose as Iraola successor
Bournemouth has reached an agreement to appoint Marco Rose as their new head coach, succeeding Andoni Iraola.
Sky SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SportsĀ·Feature
Draft guide: Rankings, strategies and more
Get ready for fantasy women's basketball drafts with rankings and strategies!
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Preview
Haaland: I feel no pressure facing Arsenal - we have nothing to lose
Haaland claims no pressure facing Arsenal as City aims for title.
Sky SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
NHL
GM Patrik fired by Canucks after last-place finish
Vancouver Canucks part ways with GM Patrik Allvin after last-place finish.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Preview
Man City vs. Arsenal: What to watch for in Premier League title showdown
Key points to watch in the Man City vs. Arsenal title clash
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Soccer
Lewis Steele pours cold water on Liverpoolās reported move for defender
Lewis Steele doubts Liverpool's reported interest in defender Marcos Senesi.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
āThe City fans will want to see the players giving 100% for the team,ā said Zabaleta when asked what the fans will expect to see at the Etihad on Sunday.
āOf course the fans want to see the team win, but at the end of the day, itās just about giving their all for the fans.
āThat would be brilliant.
āAnd I saw that Bernardo is leaving at the end of the season as well and I think for the players that have been at the Club that long, heās a legend.
āWinning the Premier League for players like Bernardo who is leaving, that would be a fantastic end to the season for the Club, for everyone, for the fans and for those players are leaving.ā
Zabaleta, who resides in Spain, has been admiring City from afar.
The 41-year-old has seen the team hit new heights in recent weeks as Guardiolaās side has gone on to win the Carabao Cup, close the gap in the title race and secure our place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
And he expressed his delight and anticipation ahead of what he expects to be a thrilling end to the campaign for all City fans, including him.
āThe cup final [against Arsenal], the Chelsea game and especially that second half performance was incredible,ā added Zabaleta.
āWhat a fantastic performance, they knew that they needed to win that game and they came out in the second half and put a great performance to win the game.
āThe cup final against Arsenal. After Madrid, the elimination from the Champions League against Real Madrid, which was a tough one to take.
āThat has always been the City spirit to fight until the very end.
āThe team is playing well. Individually, some of the players have been fantastic this season. Especially at this stage of the season when all of them need to bring the best out of each other.
āEven when I see with [Rayan] Cherki playing a key role in the team. It seems he brings that creativity into the team, and heās been a key player in the team for the last few games.
āI will be watching every single game and I want Man City to win the Premier League, League Cup [and FA Cup].
āI know that after so many years of winning trophies most in every season, thatās what now as a former football player from the club, this is what I want to see, Man City winning always something.
āI know that sometimes when the Treble, the quadruple is something so, so hard, that can happen in one season. But not very often.
āBut of course, always winning something that is what Man City fans, football players, they all want to see.
āSo, of course Iām supporting the team, and Iām always thinking about the Man City fans.
āAnd I always appreciate when I listen to that song [the Pablo Zabaleta chant] on TV or when Iāve been at the Etihad as well. So thatās brilliant.ā
