Bernardo Silva says joining Real Madrid was an opportunity he simply could not turn down after completing his first day as a player of the European champions under new head coach Jose Mourinho.The Portugal international, who arrived on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City, underwent his medical before taking part in his first two training sessions at Real Madrid City alongside his new teammates.Mourinho's crew getting stronger: Bernardo heads to Bernabeu!Speaking to Real Madrid TV afterwards, Silva admitted he was thrilled to begin the next chapter of his career."It feels special and I'm very happy to be here," he said."There is no need to talk about this club because its history speaks for itself. I'm excited to get started and I'll do everything I can to help this team continue winning, because that's what Real Madrid does best."I'm just another player here to help this spectacular club keep its winning tradition."##NAJAVA_MECA_9879090##The 31-year-old, who turns 32 next Monday, confessed his first training session under Mourinho had already given him a taste of the demands awaiting him."I'm tired," Silva laughed. "The first training session was tough, but I'm really happy to have met my teammates. I already knew some of them because I've played against them many times."The squad is very focused and I already feel at home here."##EDITORS_CHOICE##Silva also spoke warmly about working with fellow Portuguese Mourinho after years of facing his teams as an opponent."We've been rivals many times, but now we're on the same side," he said."He means so much to Portuguese football. Ever since I was a kid, we've followed his teams and he's always represented Portugal at the highest level. I'm delighted to start working with him and to learn from him."Man City’s 20-minute fight – Bernardo Silva cracked his team, Vinicius finished them offKnown for his versatility, the ex-Manchester City star said he is ready to play wherever Mou needs him."I'm a hard worker and I always try to make the players around me better. I want to be available in different positions to help the team. I can adapt to many roles and I'll be ready for whatever Real Madrid need."Silva also revealed there was never any doubt about accepting Madrid's offer after spending years trying to beat Los Blancos with Manchester City."When Real Madrid called, it was impossible to say no. I didn't hesitate for a second," he said."After playing against Madrid so many times, you understand how incredible this club is and how imposing the Bernabeu is. Being close to my family, close to Portugal and in a country with a very similar culture also helped."But the dream of playing for the greatest club in football history is a real privilege."##NAJAVA_MECA_9879081##The Portuguese star finished by naming some of the players who shaped his career, reserving special praise for Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane."There are many, but Zidane is certainly one of them. Rui Costa was a huge influence for Benfica and Portugal, and Luka Modric has also been a role model for me, both on and off the pitch."Zidane is probably one of the five greatest footballers in history. He played in a position similar to mine and, as a child, I loved watching the way he controlled the ball and dictated the game.”
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