Bernardo Silva has been appointed captain of Manchester City this season after rejecting a number of offers to put an end to the eight years at the club.
In a clear change in policy, Pep Guardiola came in to choose his own leadership group prior to the club World Cup, starting against Wydad AC.
The players and staff of the city usually take a voice, but Guardiola has destroyed himself to give the bracelet to Silva in what probably seems to be his last season in the Etihad Stadium.
Silva – who has shown interest from Saudi Arabia, while Benfica would like to welcome their Academy product – will be out of the contract next summer.
Although the 30-year-old has already decided his future, he chose not to confirm what that looks like.
“I know what I'm going to do, but it's not the time to talk about that,” said Silva. 'I am very focused on my season. I am very focused on performing well for Man City.
'If time is owed, I will talk about it. I have a year on my contract, so I can clearly leave next season. This season will certainly be in the city, I will stay.
“I have had options in the past and this year, like last year, my option is to stay in Man City.”
Silva's dedication This season is delighted, Guardiola, who wants the Portugal International – one of the players he has always been able to trust through his term of office – lead the team.
Silva follows Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan in appointed captain, while Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland will act as his representatives.
“Bernardo has been incredible,” said Guardiola. 'Eight years, no injuries. Always at the bad moments he makes one step further.
“He is an example on the field. And when he has to say something to me or to the players, he says it for the best for the club. '
Silva added: 'We spoke a lot last season as a group about what happened and we learned many very important lessons.
Hopefully we will never forget them, especially this season. We will not forget what happened last season and try to make things right. '