Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has said new signing Bernardo Silva must work hard to return to his usual fitness level following his summer move to the club.
The 31-year-old Portugal international joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after nine seasons with Manchester City, where he scored 76 goals in 460 appearances across all competitions.
Silva returned to training after taking a vacation following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Portugal were eliminated 1-0 by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16.
Mourinho described Silva as an important player for Real Madrid but said the midfielder had returned from his break significantly below his normal physical condition.
“Bernardo Silva? He’s a very important player for us,” Mourinho said, according to Madrid Zone.
“But the poor guy, when he goes on vacation, he likes to disconnect completely. He doesn’t do any work, so he came on a physical level WAY BELOW his usual standards. He needs to work hard now.”
Silva spent nine seasons at Manchester City and played a major role in the club’s success during that period.
He scored seven goals in 55 appearances during the 2022-23 campaign as City completed a treble.
In his final season at the Etihad, Silva scored three goals in 53 appearances as Manchester City won both domestic cups and finished runners-up in the Premier League during Pep Guardiola’s final campaign with the club.
Silva has signed a two-year contract with Real Madrid as he begins the next stage of his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
