Bernardo Silva steps up for Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo departure

Bernardo Silva says Portugal must honour Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy while embracing a new generation of players after taking on greater leadership responsibilities with the national team.

The 32-year-old has become Portugal’s captain because he is the squad’s most-capped player. He was speaking at a news conference before the Nations League match against Denmark in Braga, where he appeared alongside manager Jorge Jesus.

Silva said Ronaldo’s departure had brought sadness after 12 years playing alongside the former Portugal captain.

“Cristiano had a long career and I had the privilege of playing alongside him for 12 years,” said Silva. “Of course, there is a lot of sadness, but this day was always going to come sooner or later.”

He added: “We will continue the journey, while trying to honour Cristiano and thanking him for everything he has given to the national team. The new generation is coming through, as happens in every part of life.”

Silva described the captaincy as a privilege, but stressed that responsibility would be shared among Portugal’s senior players.

“It is a great honour,” he said. “This responsibility does not belong to just one player. It never has and it never will. It belongs to a group of experienced players.”

He said the squad’s senior members would help younger players settle and maintain standards within the team.

“We will do everything we can to welcome the younger players, make sure things run well in the dressing room, and maintain a very high level of work and commitment to the national team,” said Silva.

Silva on his role at Real Madrid

Silva also spoke openly about his situation at Real Madrid, where he has not been guaranteed a regular starting place.

“It is always difficult. Everyone wants to play and everyone wants to feel useful,” he said. “Throughout my career, I have been an influential player who played regularly. When I do not play, it is difficult, of course.”

He acknowledged the challenge facing the manager, who has 27 players available but can select only 11 at a time.

“What I can guarantee is that I will always give my best, remain ready to improve and help the team with whatever it needs, whether I play five, 10, 30 or 90 minutes,” Silva said. “Of course, I want to play and feel that I am useful.”

Silva said his game had become more controlled and thoughtful over the past decade, leading him to operate in deeper midfield positions.

“I am now more reserved and reflective, and completely different from the player I was 10 years ago,” he said. “I have started playing in other positions and a little deeper in midfield.”

He added that he believed the manager viewed him primarily as an number eight or 10, linking defence and attack rather than playing mainly as a winger.

“My role is about balancing defence and attack, contributing to transitions, and helping the team press and defend in deeper areas,” said Silva. “The manager expects me to be someone who can do a little bit of everything.”