If Bernardo Silva does leave Manchester City this summer, what a parting gift it would be to help them finally win the Champions League.
It is no secret Silva wanted to quit City last summer, more for lifestyle than football reasons, but no move was forthcoming – to the eternal delight of the Blue half of Manchester.
He may be one of the less high-profile and underrated members of Pep Guardiola's formidable squad, but on Wednesday night the diminutive Portugal star proved his enduring value when it mattered most.
With City utterly dominant in the early stages, there was a fear they would not be able to turn that superiority into the hard currency of a goal, just like a week earlier in the Bernabeu Stadium.
But thanks to Silva, City were not about to make the same mistake. One of the smallest players on the pitch proved the biggest in stature, as his two first-half goals set City on the way to an historic win.
His composed finish from Kevin De Bruyne's pass in the 23rd minute underlined his coolness under pressure, as did his second goal 14 minutes later, a perfectly placed header into the top corner, a technical masterclass with only a split second to execute the moment.
Yet it was not just his goals that marked Bernardo out as the man of the match. His relentless work ethic, ability to run with the ball and open up space, allied with his willingness to track back and defend, made him City's stand-out player.
City fans will no doubt hope Silva – whose partner is expecting their first child – has a change of heart and decides to stay. Last year, only Paris St Germain came in for him and Silva agreed to remain.
After Wednesday night's heroics on the exalted Champions League stage, Silva, 28, will have the pick of Europe's top clubs - including last night's opponents Real and La Liga champions Barcelona.
If he is to leave, City fans will not begrudge Silva his move after six seasons – especially if he can help lead them to European glory – and a possible Treble.
