Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City star Bernardo Silva 'struggled' in the aftermath of his ban last season over an offensive tweet.
Bernardo was suspended for one game in November, 2019, after he compared teammate Benjamin Mendy to a character on a packet of Conguitos chocolates in a social media post.
The Portuguese was also fined £50,000 and had to complete a face-to-face education course although the FA’s regulatory commission believed he "did not have any knowledge of the historical connotations of the Conguitos character" and accepted that the post was “not intended by him to be either racist or offensive in any way."
However, as the tweet was posted to an “extensive public audience” it was judged to have brought the game in to disrepute.
Bernardo struggled for form following the incident in what Guardiola has described as a 'tough period' but he now appears to be getting back to his best.
The 26-year-old has forced his way back into the starting XI on a regular basis and has been one of the best performers in City's 12-game unbeaten run, recently breaking the deadlock with a brilliant strike in a hard fought win over Aston Villa.
Speaking after Saturday's victory against Sheffield United, Guardiola was full of praise for Bernardo.
"What a huge competitor again. He played an incredible game and he was absolutely brilliant," the Blues boss said.
"His humility - in the bad moments he never loses the smile. It was a tough period for him, when he was being accused of something he's not, and it was so hurtful for him.
"Still I don't understand how the people of the Premier League (Football Association), can accuse him, to make a joke from a real friend with Mendy, and he struggled sentimentally because he is a humble guy.
"I am delighted he's back and he is playing the level that we know. He can do everything. He is another top fantastic player who always does the service of the team."
