Silva exit 'a big surprise' - Paiva

Bernardo Silva helped Manchester City to the FA Cup final after beating Southampton [Getty Images]

Bernardo Silva will stay at the top level of football after leaving Manchester City, according to his former youth coach Renato Paiva.

The 31-year-old will leave the Etihad when his contract expires this summer after nine years at the club.

Paiva coached Silva when he was in the Benfica youth system and expects him to have his pick of the top sides.

The former Botafogo boss told BBC Sport: "I don't believe Bernardo will leave the big three or the big five [leagues].

"I'm surprised he is leaving. He has one of the best world coaches [Pep Guardiola], if not the best. A club like Manchester City is always fighting for titles and the conditions are very high to work.

"He has his reasons but, for me, it is a big surprise."

The Portugal midfielder has scored 76 goals and made 77 assists in 451 appearances for City since joining from Monaco.

He has won 15 major honours with City, including the Treble in 2022-23, and could still win the Premier League and FA Cup this season - having already lifted the Carabao Cup in March.

Paiva said: "It is one of the best histories in modern football. At eight, nine, 10-years-old, very skinny but at every tournament we went to he was the best player.

"I told him he had to make his house bigger because there would not be enough space to put so many trophies.

"The way he understands the game, he is always alone, always an option to receive the ball. Bernardo is incredible.

"If you watched the games, you will see all the tall and strong guys and a skinny guy, not so high. This guy was always playing.

"What are the qualities this guy has to play against these giants? The way he understands the game, the game awareness, the way that he analyses the game always allows Bernardo to take very good decisions.

"Usually the ball leaves his feet with a good decision, since eight, nine or 10 years-old. He was a very good player and, for me, the most important was his game insight."