"It depends."
Two words that express so much doubt and prove that, despite a remarkable return to form this season, Bernardo Silva still isn't completely convinced that he will stay at Manchester City.
But it certainly looks more promising than it did in the summer.
Just a few months ago it appeared as though Bernardo's four-year stay with City was coming to an end. Not through City's choice, of course, as the midfielder was looking to depart on his own volition to move back closer to his family in his native Portugal.
Pep Guardiola confirmed Bernardo's desires and said that a transfer would be discussed if a suitor came forward.
"He's our player. Not just Bernardo, there are two, three or four players that want to leave but they are our players under contract and when they bring some offer and their agents come here and they want to leave we are open to discuss absolutely everything but it depends on them.
"The players who want to leave know the door is open because we don't want anyone here unsatisfied but they have to bring someone. Otherwise, they will stay here."
Unfortunately for Bernardo, despite some initial enquiries, no team made their interest into anything concrete, hardly surprising with Spain's top clubs struggling financially, Barcelona especially.
But had a club come in with a suitable offer to the Blues and had the 27-year-old departed there may not have been much disappointment among supporters. No one doubted that Bernardo was a great player who had done some excellent things for the club, in the 2018/19 season in particular.
However, the proceeding two seasons - impacted by off-field problems - had seen him come off the boil. He was no longer the guaranteed starter in Guardiola's side, no longer being as effective when on the pitch and it looked like a fresh start would suit all parties.
How wrong was that strain of thought?
Bernardo's misfortune with his failed move ended up being of great fortune for City as this season he has enjoyed a roaring comeback to his best form, reminiscent of John Stones' redemption last season.
He has once again become irreplaceable. The opening day defeat to Tottenham aside, Bernardo has started every single Premier League match and the only Champions League game he wasn't involved in was the dead rubber defeat to RB Leipzig. Aside from his relentless running and elegant play, he has become a key contributor in front of goal with seven goals - and some world class strikes - to his name.
Now all that remains to be seen is, since he's back playing at and in excess of his abilities, will he choose to stay?
Guardiola certainly hopes so.
“We know how we want him, how we love him,” the manager said in October.
“But at the same time not just Bernardo, I said many times in my last press conference, I want the best of them.
“They have to be happy to be here to perform well. He is such an important player for us.
“I know there will be lows in this season because it’s impossible to maintain this level throughout the season but I encourage him to be like this because I am pretty sure that playing at this level he will be happier and happier and he will enjoy being here with us.”
Bernardo himself has been quizzed on his future and though he remained coy, there did seem to be a glint of hope that staying is now much more of a possibility.
“It depends," he told O Jogo. "Right now I think it’s the best championship in the world, I think it’s the country where the level is highest.
"There was a Spanish dominance a few years ago, which lasted a long time. I think that at the moment the English teams are the strongest in the world and therefore it is always good to be where the best football is played.
“Then there are personal decisions that also count, such as being closer to the family, etc. But I confess that one of my dreams was to be part of the best championship in the world.”
Spain, with the financial issues of the biggest clubs, lack of presence in the business end of the Champions League and losing its biggest stars - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - no longer has quite the pulling power as it once did just a few years ago. Instead, it's now the Premier League that rules undisputed.
Bernardo's desire to be closer to home is out of City's control and if that proves to be the deciding factor then there is nothing to be done. What they can do, though, is continue to help make the Premier League the best in the world.
Of course, they still need help from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea and the other big sides that keep the standard high but don't allow it to become a one-horse race like in Germany.
But the better the City play, the better the division will be - so they need to ensure their performances don't drop off. Which looks unlikely the way this season is going.
If that happens, then it might just be enough to keep their player of the season so far.
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