Bernard explains Silva’s influence in getting him to join Everton last summer

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Everton winger Bernard has spoken of the influence of under-fire manager Marco Silva on his decision to move to Goodison Park last summer, speaking to Portuguese outlet Record, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

The Brazilian free agent had a big decision to make as such a highly sought-after player in the window, and it was Silva who swayed him to move to Merseyside.

He said of Silva: “He was crucial for me signing for Everton, for everything we talked about and the information he gave me. I felt wanted and I knew that the club was going to bet on me. For a player at a decision time, this is important.

“I made it very clear how I work and Marco Silva has confidence, something I needed. After five months with a shoulder injury, I got into the Premier League without a pre-season and told him I needed time to be 100%. The coach gave me this confidence.”

Silva is coming under fire at present, but deserves credit for getting Bernard to Goodison Park. The Brazilian is the calibre of player the Toffees need to be attracting and has the quality that Silva needs to play the more expansive style of play he demands.

It also bodes well for Silva’s man-management skills and ability to get talent through the door, if he manages to survive this increasingly sticky period on the blue half of Merseyside.

There is still more to come from Bernard, as he eludes to when he references his injury and Silva will hope to be the man to get that from him, this season and beyond.