Bernardo Silva signs for Manchester City in sensational £43million deal from Monaco – as Pep Guardiola hijacks star from rivals United

BERNARDO SILVA has completed a sensational £43million move to Manchester City – from right under the noses of Manchester United.

The Portuguese playmaker was a target of Jose Mourinho’s but has snubbed a move to work under Pep Guardiola.

PA:Press Association Images

Manchester City have completed the £43million signing of Bernardo Silva from Monaco[/caption]

Jose Mourinho said this week he would ‘welcome’ his fellow Portuguese to Old Trafford this summer.

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And when the playmaker boarded a flight to Manchester on Thursday night, many assumed he was heading for United.

Instead, he was whisked off to the City Football Academy and put the finishing touches to a five-year deal.

He told City’s official site: “It feels great. To be honest I’m now at one of the best teams in the world. To be part of this club and to have this opportunity is great.

“I’m very happy to be part of Manchester City’s team and I look forward to trying to do my best to help the team reach their goals.

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association Images

Silva scored 10 goals and added 10 assists as Monaco won Ligue 1 and reached the semi-final of the Champions League[/caption]

PA:Press Association Images

The Portuguese said he is delighted to be working with Pep Guardiola[/caption]

Getty Images

“If not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best.

“Of course when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don’t say no.

“As we all know, what he did in Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles.

“It’s great to be working with him and to have this opportunity.”