"No Hesitation!" B Silva Opens Up About Joining Real Madrid: Can't Say No to the Greatest Club in Football History

On Monday local time, Bernardo Silva admitted after completing his first training session with Real Madrid that he "never had any hesitation" about joining the La Liga giants.

The 31-year-old Portuguese international midfielder left Manchester City after his contract expired this summer, joining Real Madrid as a free agent, ending his nine-year spell at the Etihad. During that time, he helped the club lift 20 major trophies.

Silva is the fifth new addition Real Madrid has brought in this summer window, joining Cucurella, Konaté, Dumfries, and Espi. Additionally, according to foreign media reports, the club is still pushing forward with the transfers of Diomandé and Rodri.

"Having faced Real Madrid many times on the pitch, you can truly feel the club's history and what it means to be here," Silva said in an interview with Real Madrid TV on Monday. "When Real Madrid invites you, you simply cannot refuse. I had almost no hesitation. Being closer to family, very close to Portugal, and culturally similar—all of that helped a lot. But more importantly, to play for the greatest club in football history—their trophy cabinet is the best proof—that in itself is a supreme honor."

Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina in a friendly on Saturday, the first match under new coach José Mourinho since his return. Next, the team will face Ferencváros in Budapest.

Silva, Vinícius, and Díaz completed their first preseason training session together on Monday after returning from holiday.

"The first training session was intense, but I'm very happy to see the coaching staff and all my teammates," Silva said. "I already know some of them well because we've faced each other many times on the pitch. Now being able to work alongside them and start the preseason in a positive way feels great."

Mourinho is taking charge of Real Madrid for the second time, having had a successful initial stint from 2010 to 2013.

"We have met many times as opponents, and now we are finally on the same side," Silva added. "I'm really happy. He is a coach of immense significance to Portuguese football. Since childhood, we have often watched his teams play, and he always brings the name of Portugal to the highest level in the world. I am filled with joy to begin learning under his guidance."