Bernardo Silva opens up on Real Madrid move and Mbappe connection: ‘A class act’

Bernardo Silva has opened up on his move to Real Madrid, describing the opportunity to join the Spanish giants as a dream come true while also revealing his excitement at reuniting with Kylian Mbappe.

The Portuguese midfielder spoke to Real Madrid TV following his welcome ceremony at Real Madrid City, covering everything from his relationship with Mbappe to his first impressions of the dressing room and his ambitions for the new season.

For Bernardo, the move to the Santiago Bernabeu did not require much thought.

“When Real Madrid called me, I didn’t hesitate.

“When they rang and told me they were interested, I said yes straight away, without a second thought, because I believe it’s the best option for me, for my career and for my family. Being here is a dream come true.”

Wants to rebuild Monaco partnership with Mbappe

One of the most interesting parts of Bernardo’s arrival at Real Madrid is his reunion with Mbappe.

The two previously played together at Monaco, where they formed part of a hugely talented young side before taking their careers to different destinations.

Bernardo still remembers the connection they developed during those two seasons.

“We played together for two years at Monaco. He was very young – he was 17 or 18. I was very young too.

“We had a very strong connection as teammates. Since then, we’ve played against each other quite a few times – against Paris, against France and against Madrid.

“Now I’m really happy to be back with him and to try and rekindle that connection.

“Kylian is a class act, a player who can single-handedly win you matches, who scores plenty of goals and creates lots of chances in every game.

“We’ll try to work on rebuilding that connection so that, together, we can bring joy to Real Madrid.”

Bernardo also spoke warmly about Florentino Perez and the history he has built during his time as Real Madrid president.

“I was speaking to the president, who took over in 2000.

“I’ve followed his entire journey at Real Madrid and, with him as president, the club has won seven Champions League titles, which is a lot. Now, being able to play for him and for this club is really special.”

Real Madrid dressing room targeting trophies

Bernardo has wasted little time settling into his new surroundings.

According to the midfielder, the atmosphere inside the Real Madrid dressing room has impressed him, with the squad already focused on competing for silverware across every competition.

“The dressing room atmosphere is great. Everyone gets on really well and we’re really keen to do well.

“We’re very ambitious about winning every trophy and we’re confident we have the squad to do it.

“I feel we’re a strong group, with a great bond and a real hunger to win – which is what you’re supposed to do at a club like Real Madrid.”

Bernardo also made a clear promise about what Real Madrid supporters can expect from him.

“I’m a different player to when I started my career, but I’m very happy with the path I’ve taken and with who I am today – the player that Real Madrid fans can expect.

“I can promise that I’m a hard-working player who will always put the team before my own interests; for me, that’s the most important thing.

“I hope that in every match, through the good times and the bad, everyone can see that I’m giving my all. I’ll leave everything on the pitch, and that I can certainly promise.”

He knows the challenge of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu better than most after facing Real Madrid several times during his career.

“It’s been very difficult to play at the Bernabeu and now I hope it’ll be the other way round – that it’ll be very easy.

“It’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive stadiums – if not the most impressive – you can play in.”

Bernardo focused on Espanyol clash

Despite the excitement surrounding his presentation, Bernardo is already looking ahead to Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol.

The midfielder stressed that the team cannot afford to treat any fixture lightly if they want to challenge for the league title.

“I hope we win. We need to stay focused in every match. Every point counts. LaLiga is a competition where you can’t afford to drop too many points if you want to be champions.

“We have to attach just as much importance to the points in matches that people perhaps regard as slightly less significant than the big games.

“We’ll try to get off to a strong start, with a win and the three points,” he concluded.