Football News: Bernardo Silva, Portugal’s Midfield Maestro, Eyes Euro 2024 Glory
Ahead of the highly anticipated Euro 2024 tournament, Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva has set his sights on claiming the coveted European Championship title for his national team. The Manchester City star, who was recently ranked as the eighth-best men’s player of 2023 in a FIFA awards ceremony, is determined to make up for the disappointment of missing Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph due to injury.
“I was so frustrated before the competition for not going because I wanted to be a part of it. I did all the qualifying. It would have been my first big tournament and I would have been there but I got injured.”
However, the 29-year-old was still overjoyed when his country secured their first major international trophy, stating, “when they won it, I am Portuguese. Everyone was so happy, all my family, all my friends, everyone.”
Now, with six Premier League titles and the Champions League under his belt with Manchester City, Silva is ready to lead Portugal’s charge for the Euro 2024 crown. He acknowledges the pressure of representing his country, saying, “When you play in a Euros, definitely, you are representing your whole country, your family and friends. We are all human. You are going to feel it more. Playing for Portugal is always a bit different and special.”
Despite his individual accolades, Silva remains focused on the collective success of his team, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded squad:
“Strikers do not win you titles alone. The base comes from defence. If you defend well, you will attack better. When I look at individual awards and I see that only the guys who score goals win the awards, I feel a bit like it does not represent our sport that well.”
As the new Euro 2024 campaign approaches, Silva is eager to add the coveted international trophy to his impressive list of honors. With the strength of the Portuguese squad and the guidance of manager Roberto Martinez, the midfield maestro is confident in his team’s ability to overcome the pressure and bring glory to their nation.
“I would take it, knowing that it is a big responsibility. I would take it, definitely,” Silva declares, ready to step up and lead Portugal’s charge for European supremacy. Football fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating Silva’s performance as he aims to secure Portugal’s second major tournament triumph.
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