Bernardo Silva hails Rui Costa as a guiding light at Real Madrid

At the close of his inaugural training session with Real Madrid, Bernardo Silva declared that former Portuguese midfielder Rui Costa remains one of his key references. He praised the Benfica legend for his influence on the Portuguese game and said the admiration guides his own ambitions.

Silva made the remarks while wearing the iconic white kit, officially becoming a "merengue" after his first training. The comment marked his first public words as a Real Madrid player.

"He is one of my references because he played for Benfica," Silva said. The statement came during a brief interview after the session.

Silva also highlighted the broader importance of José Mourinho to Portuguese football, noting that references such as Costa are part of that legacy. Mourinho's influence, helped shape the generation that includes the Benfica midfielder.

The contrast between Silva's fresh start at Real Madrid and his reverence for Portuguese icons illustrates how his new chapter will be informed by the heritage he admires. Observers will watch how these inspirations translate onto the Santiago Bernabéu.