Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva is set to leave the club at the end of the current season.

The 31-year-old Portugal international has spent nine years at Manchester City, winning six Premier League titles and one Champions League, but he will depart when his contract expires.

Speaking after City’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Liverpool, assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirmed Silva’s exit, noting that “every good story comes to an end” and highlighting the difficulty of replacing the team captain.

Lijnders said, “You never replace a player with the same kind of player, because they don’t exist. Bernardo Silva is unique.” He praised Silva for his game control, movement, leadership, and vision on the pitch.

He added that the club will look for players who can grow with the team and fit into the first XI, while hoping academy players can step up to midfield roles.

Lijnders emphasized the importance of keeping senior players to maintain a strong core, while younger players develop around them.

He acknowledged Silva’s absence will be felt, saying, “It will be hard, because in the game, when he’s not playing, you will see how he’s missed. And that’s one game. Imagine a season?”

Lijnders wished Silva a good farewell for the final six weeks, recognizing the attention and respect he deserves.

Silva joined Manchester City from Monaco in 2017 and has made 450 appearances for the club so far.