Bernardo Silva Values Champions League Win Over Ballon D'Or Honour

Bernardo Silva has expressed a preference for team accolades over individual honours, stating he would choose the Champions League over a Ballon d'Or. Silva played a pivotal role in Manchester City's retention of their Premier League title for the fourth consecutive season, making 33 appearances and contributing six goals and nine assists.

The midfielder also scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup semi-final, although City eventually lost to Manchester United. Since joining City in July 2017, Silva has amassed 13 major honours, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League, and the Club World Cup.

Ranked as the eighth-best men's player of 2023, Silva downplayed the significance of individual awards. "Recognition is always nice," he told Sky Sports. "In my opinion, I give the right amount of importance to these awards because we are playing a collective sport."

Silva emphasised that individual accolades often go to strikers due to their goal-scoring roles. "If you understand the game, you know how important it is to have a proper goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and striker. Strikers do not win you titles alone; the base comes from defence," he said.

Silva's focus now shifts to Euro 2024 as Portugal aims for their second title in the competition. The 29-year-old missed Portugal's 2016 success due to injury and described his mixed emotions at that time. "I was so frustrated before the competition for not going because I wanted to be a part of it," he said.

Despite his frustration, Silva felt joy for his country's achievement. "Everyone was so happy; all my family, all my friends. It was a mix of frustration for not being there but also being very happy because it was our first big title as a country," he added.

Embracing Pressure

Silva is ready for the challenge of Euro 2024. "You are representing your whole country, your family and friends. We are all human; you are going to feel [the pressure] more," he noted. "Playing for Portugal is always a bit different and special."

He believes that pressure can be beneficial. "If you love the game, you want to do it well. And if you want to do something well, you feel that responsibility. That is why you feel pressure," Silva explained. "It is up to you to try to control these emotions."

Portugal will begin their Euro 2024 campaign in Group F against the Czech Republic on June 18.