- Bernardo Silva has announced he will leave Man City when his contracts expires in June
- City set for another mass exodus after January signings of Semenyo and Guehi
- Erling Haaland underlines challenge for new generation of stars to uphold standards
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has opened up on Bernardo Silva’s upcoming exit from the Etihad Stadium and the challenges of replacing the club captain.
Silva penned an emotional farewell message this week to confirm that he will be leaving Manchester City when his contract expires this summer.
The 31-year-old has been one of Pep Guardiola‘s best signings at the Etihad Stadium since joining from AS Monaco for £43 million in 2017 and will leave Manchester City as an all-time great.
Erling Haaland admits ‘difficulty’ in paying tribute to Bernardo Silva after confirmed Man City exit
City remain in pursuit of a domestic treble in Silva’s final months at the club, having lifted the Carabao Cup trophy at Wembley in March, ahead of Sunday’s title deciding Premier League battle with leaders Arsenal.
Haaland: Man City need new players to take responsibility
In conversation with ESPN FC ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Arsenal, Haaland opened up on the hole that Silva will leave as Manchester City prepare for life beyond the 31-year-old Portugal international.
“It’s a generation that won plenty of trophies, but everything comes to an end some day,” Haaland said. “Since I came to Manchester City, plenty of players left. Last season was Kyle Walker and Kevin (De Bruyne) – amazing players and did so amazing.
“Then it’s about the club replacing these (players) and for new players to take responsibility and help the club towards the right direction, winning trophies.”
Manchester City are set for another busy transfer window after director of football Hugo Viana engineered the acquisitions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January, with several senior stars set to be shown the door.
You should come to win trophies at Man City, says Haaland
In a passionate rallying call to the next generation of Manchester City stars and leaders, Haaland added: “Man City is a club you should come to and win trophies,” in an interview with official club media.
“We’re good, we’re ready” – Pep Guardiola delivers peak into Manchester City camp ahead of titanic Arsenal battle
“We won a trophy a few weeks ago which was a nice feeling. We have to build on that. We have to want more and win trophies every season because that’s the standard we have here.
“City pay me money to be in the best shape, be the best Erling Haaland as possible so I should respect City and do everything I can to give back the best version of ourselves, in training and especially games.”
Haaland will be desperate to take a giant step towards snatching the Premier League title right under Arsenal’s noses by winning against the north Londoners this weekend – after City cut the gap to the Gunners to six points by seeing off Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week.
