Bernardo Silva named his pet french bulldog ‘John’ after Manchester City teammate John Stones – it’s one of football’s oddest bromances.

Silva and Stones have been buddies on and off the field since the former arrived in 2017 from Monaco.

The 27-year-old is frequently spotted walking his dog around Manchester with girlfriend Ines, and the dog’s name is Stones.

“We’ve had him for nine months now,” Silva told The Times ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby. He’s like my small kid because I don’t have any yet. He enjoys his time here.”

Although not a common dog name, John appears to be satisfied with it.

Kyle Walker joked on Twitter after posting a photo of Silva and John together, saying, “Only Bernardo Silva would call his dog John.”

Silva has been one of City’s top players this season as they attempt to defend their Premier League championship and win their first Champions League trophy.

But things could have turned out quite differently. Pep Guardiola, the manager, announced late last season that Silva was looking to leave the Etihad.

Silva has confessed that the coronavirus outbreak made him miserable in England because he was living alone in the country.

It had an effect on his performance off the field, and he wished to be closer to his family.

“People suffered far more than we did,” he said, “but it was difficult for me because I was so far away from my family.” I used to go to Portugal for a few days and have supper with my mother and father. It was only dinner, but you were with your folks, so it was pleasant. It was difficult not to be able to do so.

“To be honest, it wasn’t a good time. I was alone in my apartment for a bit. My girlfriend arrived later. It was detrimental to everyone. I could tell by the looks on my teammates’ faces that it was difficult for them as well.”

The Portugal international insisted he was not dissatisfied with the club and reaffirmed his passion for City.

“I had a talk with the club because I wasn’t happy with my life here, and I wanted to be closer to my family, but it [wanting to leave] had nothing to do with the club,” Silva told the club’s website.

“I support Manchester City. I adore my teammates, the supporters, and the club. Nothing occurred after that. I stayed, and I will always give my all to this club for as long as I am a member.”

Silva has 10 goals and three assists so far this season.

City lead Liverpool by three points at the top of the Premier League, but a win over Manchester United will restore their six-point lead.