Bernardo Silva took advantage of the recent international break to talk to the Portuguese media about several aspects of his career.

The Manchester City midfielder explained why the previous season was a perfect year on and off the pitch, his relationship with Pep Guardiola, and his desire to transpose his success at club level to the Seleção.

The former Benfica youth player also spoke about the unsatisfactory manner in which he left the Lisbon giants and his hopes for a return to his boyhood club, while also criticising one aspect of Portuguese football. 

On deadline day of the summer transfer window, Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha was fully expecting to be paraded in front of the German media as Bayern Munich’s latest signing.

Indeed, by many accounts the former Sporting man had even taken photos in the Bayern shirt as the evening cut-off point loomed. However, Fulham’s reported failure to secure a replacement saw the deal collapse, with Palhinha left stunned by the outcome as he waited at the Bayern training facilities.

With just a month remaining of the Brazilian season, Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras head into the international break top of the Campeonato Brasileiro for the first time since matchday two of the campaign.

Long-standing leaders Botafogo have finally been displaced from first place, albeit the faltering surprise challengers still have destiny in their own hands having played one game fewer. Yet there is a growing sense that Abel’s experienced Verdão now have the momentum to defend their crown.

Diogo Jota is arguably Portugal’s most in-form forward heading into next week’s international fixtures against Liechtenstein and Iceland.

Jota scored the third goal as Liverpool beat Brentford 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday, moving the Reds into 2nd place in the Premier League.