Bernardo Silva quipped that he dislikes being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Portuguese star says it gives him pride, but he dislikes the nicknames.
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Silva told A Bola after being selected Figure of the Year 2023 that he doesn’t like fans and commentators comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo because he wants to be himself:
“I dislike both of them. Because comparisons are inevitable… I enjoy playing the role of Bernardo. Of course, being compared to one player or another might be a source of pride at times, but I don’t like either of those labels.”
When A Bola asked if he felt underappreciated by supporters, Silva responded:
“Am I underappreciated? No, people place a high value on me. Perhaps not as much in Portugal as elsewhere. People regard me a lot more in France, where I played, and in England than in my own country, although it could be because I left so early.”
Bernardo Silva was a vital role for Manchester City as they won the European treble in 2023. City won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Premier League, becoming only the second English team to achieve so after Manchester United (1999).
Bernardo Silva dislikes comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but he also dislikes the two being compared to each other.
He previously told BBC Sport thinks the two are the best footballers ever:
“It will be something special and unique to tell my children and grandchildren that I was able to help him.” On and off the field, he sets a good example. We train in the morning with Portugal. Everyone else plays cards or plays PlayStation in the afternoon, but he goes to the gym.” “In the critical moments, when you need him the most, he’s always there.” It’s a non-debatable issue. I believe we should consider ourselves fortunate to be able to observe them at the same time. They are two of the best players in history, if not the top two players in history.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are nearing the end of their careers and have left Europe. The Portuguese great has joined Al Nassr in the Middle East, while Messi has joined Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer.