Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Bernardo Silva has extended his deal with the club.

The Portuguese international had a big part to play as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Treble last season, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

There had been some fears that he could follow Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez out of the Etihad this summer, with the 29-year-old attracting interest from both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

However those fears have been put to bed, with Silva’s new contract taking him until 2026 –  which would be nine years since he joined the club from Monaco in a £43m deal.

Speaking about his extension with the Premier League giants, Silva said: ‘I’ve had six incredible years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my time here.

Bernardo Silva has signed a new Manchester City contract which will run until 2026

The Portuguese midfielder played a huge part in City’s Treble success of last season

Pep Guardiola was keen to keep the influential playmaker despite interest from other clubs

‘Winning the Treble last season was extremely special and it’s exciting to be part of a squad where there is such a hunger and passion.

‘Success makes you want even more, and this Club gives me that opportunity to keep on winning. I love the manager, my team-mates and the fans and hope we can share even more great memories in the coming years.’

Silva went on to explain just how special the current City squad is to him. He said: ‘I am just 29-years-old, so I don’t remember all the teams that played in England, but from what I remember, when you see a team that wins five Premier Leagues in six and the Champions League, which everyone was saying was the missing piece.

‘That makes it probably one of the best. We heard that four [titles] in a row was never done in the Premier League before, so we want to try that because it is so tough. It is so tough every year and if you remember that two of those were just a difference of one point and the last games.

‘For example, the Aston Villa game where we were losing 2-0 in minute 65 or 70, so it is not easy to win it. We are going to try and keep creating history and putting the name of this team as one of the best ever of course. That means something to us.’

Silva has big ambitions for the 2023-2024 season and says he is focusing on helping City pick up their fourth Premier League title in a row. He said: ‘When you think that no one has ever done this before, if you do it, it always makes it feel a bit more special as you create something in history.

‘If we do it, it is not going to be easy for anyone else to do it again because this country, the amount of teams that fight for this title every year, it is just ridiculous and doesn’t happen anywhere else. We are very motivated to achieve that.’

While City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: ‘Bernardo has been exceptional during his time at the Etihad, so we’re delighted that he has signed a contract extension with the Club.

Guardiola’s former Barcelona star Xavi had hoped to bring him to the Nou Camp this summer

‘His quality and technical ability is fantastic – and alongside his hard work and professionalism, he has become one of the best players in the world.

‘Bernardo was so important in our Treble-winning season and we are sure he can help deliver even more trophies in the next few years.’

There had been reports that Silva ‘would try and force an exit’ from Man City if Barcelona made a bid for him this summer – as he was ‘keen to move’ to the Spanish giants.

Guardiola addressed Barcelona’s interest in Silva earlier this month as he said: ‘I want to clarify this as I know reports in Barcelona make up what I say. I don’t want any players who don’t want to be here.

‘I want to work with guys who want to stay and work with us. Some players feel they want a new experience. I will not be the guy who says ‘no’ — but they have to make an agreement with the club.

‘Make a deal and it happens. But we have to get a proper offer. If we don’t get a proper offer, he’s our player and we want him.

‘If they want him, they will come here and talk to our sporting director and CEO to make a deal.’

There had been serious doubts over whether Barcelona can afford to sign one of City’s most influential players. In June, their economic vice-president Eduard Romeu revealed the club had debts of £1.16billion.

The versatile midfielder played 55 times for City last season as he secured a first UEFA Champions League trophy, a fifth Premier League title and second FA Cup.

The Portuguese international also has 82 caps to his name and was a regular fixture during their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.

He remains important to Guardiola’s plans and is a popular member of the dressing room.

Silva completed the full 90 minutes – then converted a penalty in the shoot-out – as City lost to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at Wembley.

He played in their opening day victory over Burnley, before missing their narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle with a muscle injury.