Bernardo Silva joins Real Madrid, calls club best in history

Bernardo Silva has officially joined Real Madrid, completing his medical examinations on Monday and training under José Mourinho for the first time. The Portuguese midfielder, who arrived as a free agent after nine seasons at Manchester City, expressed his excitement: "When Real Madrid appeared, I didn't think twice. Real Madrid is the best club in the history of football. It was impossible to say no" Source: excelsiormx. He echoed this sentiment to Real Madrid TV, calling it "a dream to play in the best club in the history of football" Source: infobae.

The move

Silva's transfer was driven by a desire to be closer to his family after 12 years abroad. In his farewell interview with Manchester City, he said: "It's an opportunity to be a little closer to my family. It's been 12 years apart and quite far, and I want to be a little closer to them" Source: elespanol.

First impressions

Silva described his first training session as "very tiring" and "hard," but he was "happy" to meet his new teammates Source: infobae. He praised Mourinho, noting they are now on the same side after being rivals, and highlighted the coach's significance to Portuguese football Source: infobae.

What's next

Silva is registered and available for Real Madrid's LaLiga opener against Espanyol on August 22. Before that, he may feature in friendlies against Ferencváros, Deportivo de la Coruña, and Schalke 04 Source: excelsiormx.