The Portuguese midfielder will leave City at the end of the season after becoming one of the most successful players in the club's history. Bernardo won 20 major trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium and played more matches than any other player across the club's dominant era under Pep Guardiola.

Speaking in his final studio interview as a City player, the 31-year-old reflected emotionally on what the club had come to mean to him.

"It's difficult because nine years is a very long time," Bernardo said.

"When I arrived from Portugal, I was a fan of Benfica, but now I can say my feelings towards this club are very, very strong.

"I will support Man City for the rest of my life.

"I'm grateful to the club, the people and the fans for everything they gave me. It was unbelievable."

Bernardo joined City from AS Monaco in 2017 after coming through the academy at SL Benfica. Since then, he became one of Guardiola's most trusted players thanks to his intelligence, work rate and technical quality.

The midfielder explained that his decision to leave was influenced by both football and family reasons.

"It's a mix of things," he said. "We won a lot as a generation and personally I achieved a lot here.

"It's time for the younger players to have their moment. For me, it's also an opportunity to be closer to my family because I've been away from them for a long time.

"I also want a new challenge. I love this football club and I loved these nine years, but I feel this is the right moment."

Bernardo also revealed how Guardiola inspired him long before they worked together. As a young academy player at Benfica, he was often overlooked because of his size.

He pointed to Guardiola's famous FC Barcelona side featuring players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi as proof that smaller players could succeed at the highest level.

"I didn't play much at Benfica because people thought I wasn't strong enough," Bernardo explained.

"I looked at those Barcelona players and thought if they could do it, maybe one day I could too.

"To then work with Pep for nine years and become the player with the most appearances in this team is truly special."

Bernardo is expected to make his final Premier League appearance for City against Aston Villa on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with Villa arriving as the newly crowned Europa League champions.

MTN8 quarter-final preview: Mamelodi Sundowns ready for Richards Bay